Michael Schumacher Condition 2017: F1 Legend 'Still Fighting' After 2013 Skiing Accident

Michael Schumacher's fans got some hint about the F1 legend's health condition after his former Ferrari boss said Monday that despite 4 years since the skiing accident Schumacher is "still fighting" to recover. Seven-time world champion sustained severe head injuries in a skiing accident in France on Dec. 29, 2013.

Jean Todt, who now works as the World Automobile Federation (FIA) president, spoke about Schumacher's condition briefly at a Paris ceremony to launch the FIA’s Hall of Fame.

"We miss Michael. He's there, still fighting. A fight is going on. Michael is someone very special, someone special for motorsport. He's special to me, he's a friend," he said, according to the United Kingdom's Express.

Sabine Kehm, his manager, added: "We all know that Michael should be here, and I'm sure he would have loved to. He always had the utmost respect for everyone in this round, he would be very honored."

"What made Michael so special, what made him so successful, that was the love of the sport. And that connects him with everyone here," he said.

Kehm, who was at the event to represent the racing champion and his family, said last year Schumacher's family would like to keep the details of the German's health private and they will not change the decision any time soon.

Schumacher's near death accident resulted in his medically-induced coma and doctors operated him to remove blood clots from his brain.

The 48-year-old returned to his home on the shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland in September 2016, and since then the family maintained a strict guard on his privacy and little was made public about his health condition.

Speaking to German tabloid Blick in March, Schumacher's fellow German racing driver Sebastian Vettel expressed his emotions after the legend's accident.

"What, that's how long ago it happened? That is an extremely long time ago. You can see how time flies. Above all we in Formula One are coached on a daily basis to look ahead. The next race, the next race. That's how the years go by... Of course, Michael is still missed by Formula One. And especially we at Ferrari would be happy if he could stand by our side with advice in the race for the world title. If anyone knows how to move forward, then it is him."

Schumacher retired from racing for the second time in 2012, after a disappointing comeback in 2010 when he drove for three seasons for Mercedes. He first retired in 2006 after winning five straight titles with Ferrari, following two earlier ones with Benetton.

In July, RM Sotheby’s auctioned off a Formula 1 Ferrari driven by Schumacher. The Ferrari F2001 was driven by Schumacher in 2001 as he won a fifth Monaco Grand Prix, the 2001 Formula One World Drivers' Championship (WDC) and secured Ferrari the 2001 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship.