Formula One Great Schumacher In Coma

Michael Schumacher

A French hospital says retired Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is in critical condition and in a coma with cranial trauma after a skiing accident.

In a written statement, the hospital in the city of Grenoble said Schumacher’s injuries “required an immediate neurosurgical operation.”

Reports said Schumacher, 44, had banged his head on a rock while skiing off-piste December 29 in the French Alps resort of Meribel.

The German national was reported to have been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Schumacher, who retired for a second time at the end of the 2012 season, won two world titles with Benetton and five in a row with Ferrari. He is ranked as the most successful Formula One driver ever, with a record 91 victories.


Based on reporting by dpa, Reuters, and AFP