The most successful driver in the history of Formula 1, Michael Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury on the ski slopes in the French Alps on December 29, 2013 after falling and hitting his head on a rock.
Despite wearing a ski helmet, Schumacher endured such catastrophic injuries that he had to undergo two surgical procedures after being airlifted to Grenoble Hospital.
His doctors reported that he was put into a medically-induced coma and his condition was said to be stable in March 2014.
In April 2014 Schumacher was withdrawn from the coma and moved to a hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, before being brought home in September 2014.
Updates since then have been sporadic as family and friends remain tight-lipped over the seven-time FI champion’s condition in order to protect his privacy.
What do we know about Michael Schumacher’s health condition four years on?
Scant information is available about the racing legend’s current health and one of the most recent pieces of news was from Schumacher’s wife, Corinna Betsch, in November.
Speaking at the time, she said: “The decision to protect his privacy from the public has been taken in Michael’s interest.
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Michael Schumacher: What do we know about the F1 star’s health four years on?
“We have made it very clear that something serious has happened.”
What we do know is that following his accident, Schumacher was moved out of intensive care into a rehabilitation ward in June 2014.
He was later moved to a hospital in Lausanne near his home in Switzerland.
Three months after that, the F1 champion was transported back to his house in Lake Geneva where he continued to receive treatment and rehabilitation for his serious injuries.
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Michael Schumacher is loved by fans around the world
At the time, a statement about his condition said: “Considering the severe head injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months. There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead.”
In 2015, Schumacher’s manager said his condition was improving “considering the severeness of the injury he had.”
The Schumacher family sued German magazine Bunte over a December 2015 story that falsely claims that the F1 champion could walk again.
In October last year, Schumacher’s lawyer said he “could not walk” and said his privacy had been invaded.
Just the month before, it was claimed in reports that Schumacher could be moved to the US for specialist treatment at a brain trauma centre in Texas.
It was hoped that brain specialist, Dr Mark Meeks, would be able to treat him – but this was later dismissed.
Despite the lack of information, Michael Schumacher’s fans continue to support him – and he is also honoured by his contemporaries where they can.
What is the latest Michael Schumacher family update?
In November, his daughter Gina-Maria, 20, posted an inspirational message on Instagram next to a scenic picture of a lake.
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Michael Schumacher at the Australian Grand Prix in 2011.
It said: “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved #keepfighting.”
In December, Schumacher’s son Mick launched the first anniversary of the non-profit initiative “Keep Fighting” in honour of his dad.
Its vision is “to inspire the world to always keep fighting and never give up”.
Lewis Hamilton, who matched his former rival’s record pole position in December, also paid his tributes to the legend.
He posted online: “Michael, equalling your pole position record in Belgium this year meant so much to me and was a true honour. Praying for you and your family all the time #KeepFightingMichael #Legend”