Members of Michael Schumacher's family have hit out at media reports suggesting he was on the road to recovery and that his life was no longer at risk, branding them "false and insensitive".
Schumacher remains critical but stable in a Grenoble hospital following his off-piste skiing accident on December 19th in the Meribel resort of France, contrary to some media reports claiming his life is no longer at risk.
The German - who won seven World Drivers' Championship titles with Benetton and Ferrari between 1994 and 2004 - is still in a medically-induced coma following a second operation on his brain, and is far from assured of recovery.
A statement from manager Sabine Kehm has warned against 'invalid' reports plaguing news publications, whilst stressing that any quotes unattributed to the former F1 champion's doctors or family should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Kehm said: "Michael's condition remains critical but stable. We would like to clearly stress that any information regarding Michael's health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as invalid and pure speculation.
"The family cares only for Michael's health."
45-year old Schumacher - who celebrated his birthday on January 3rd - hit his head on a rock whilst skiing at a 'leisurely pace', and would have been surely dead if not wearing his protective helmet.
Further controversy followed when reports surfaced that the German's helmet camera had not been voluntarily handed over by family members, which Kehm also claimed to be erroneous.
He said: "Michael's helmet camera was voluntarily given to the investigating authorities by the family.
"That this should have been done against the wishes of the family is untrue."
Authorities in France are keen to examine whether the camera may reveal clues over the circumstances of the crash, and police have also interviewed Schumacher's 14-year old son, who witnessed the crash.
Schumacher has had two operations to remove blood and pressure from his brain and - whilst doctors have ruled out giving a prognosis for his future condition - it is medically possible for someone to spend several weeks in an induced coma and make a full recovery.
Schumacher won seven world championships and secured 91 race victories during his 19-year career, yet currently faces his toughest obstacle, still very much fighting for his life.