The seven-time world champion suffered catastrophic head injuries in a high-speed skiing accident in the French Alps in December 2013 and spent months in a coma.
He was transferred to a specially-adapted medical unit in his Swiss mansion in September 2014 where his condition has been closely-guarded ever since with his family opting for a media blackout to protect their privacy.
But fans have constantly been told they should never lose hope that their idol’s health condition could improve.
And they will be overjoyed by the latest comments from head injuries expert Professor Mark Oberman from the Centre for Neurology at Germany’s Asklepios Clinic group who said a new report highlighted positive results from people left with brain damage from a serious head injury.
Prof Oberman said: “According to a Swedish study, between 30 and 40 percent of patients have regained consciousness within four years.
“Many can come back to life and see how their children and grandchildren grow up, what plans they have or what else happens in the family or circle of friends.”
Friends, family and fans of Schumacher will be hoping the findings of the study mentioned by Prof Oberman could ring true for the German race-ace.
And while there are no guarantees, Prof Oberman emphasised that the best his family can do now is to constantly give him love by remaining in physical contact with him.
In November, his wife Corinna said: “The decision to protect his privacy from the public has been taken in Michael’s interest.
“We have made it very clear that something serious has happened.”
In January, Schumacher celebrated his 49th birthday and his daughter Gina took to Instagram leaving a heartfelt message to her father.
She wrote on the social networking site: “Happy Birthday to the best Dad ever. We love you. #keepfighting.”
His agent Sabine Kehm said in December 2016: “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard.
“Michael has consistently drawn a clear line between the public and the private, which has always been accepted by the fans and the media.
“The decision to protect his privacy from the public has been met in Michael’s interest.”