Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher is still in a stable but critical condition, according to a statement released by Grenoble University Hospital released on Monday 6th January.
"The clinical state of Michael Schumacher is stable as he's under permanent care and treatment. However, the medical team in charge stresses that it continues to assess his situation as critical."
The legendary racing driver, who has a record 91 F1 race victories, has been in hospital since a skiing accident at the exclusive Meribel ski resort on the 29th December left him with serious life-threatening head injuries. The 45-year old has since undergone two operations to remove blood clots and reduce swelling and intra-cranial pressure, and is in an induced coma. The statement was backed up by Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm, who confirmed that there has been zero change in his condition and that he remains closely monitored. Last Friday saw one of the most iconic racing drivers in history turn 45, and Ferrari, the team most associated with the German motorist organising a silent vigil outside the hospital to mark the occasion. French prosecutors have confirmed they will hold a press conference on the accident investigation this Wednesday, with reports suggesting that they will have 2 pieces of video; one from Schumacher's personal helmet camera, and another inadvertent shot by a 35-year-old German steward who was filming his girlfriend and inadvertently caught the incident on camera. The hospital and Kehm also indicated that this would be their last such update on his condition in the near future.
"The patient's privacy requires that we do not give out details of his treatment and it is for this reason that we do not envisage any new press conferences, nor to send out any written press releases, in the near future."
The privacy of the family has been a major issue over the last week, with Kehm repeatedly calling for the privacy of the family to be respected amidst huge international interest. She has already confirmed reports that a journalist dressed as a priest in an attempt to access the F1 driver's hospital room.
Diarmuid is a freelance student and studious sports journalist operating out of the wilds of Dublin, Ireland. His specialist subjects include the English Premier League, the GAA, and track and field athletics.
