After initial reports suggested that he was stable, it is now emerging that Formula One racing legend Michael Schumacher is in a critical condition following a skiing accident on Sunday. Schumacher was on a skiing holiday in France when the accident happened. Some reports suggest that he has suffered some serious brain injuries and is presently in a coma.

The head injury sustained by Schumacher is believed to be similar to the one that led to the death of actress Natasha Richardson nearly 5 years ago. Whereas Schumacher was rushed to hospital for immediate emergency treatment, however, Ms Richardson was sent back to her hotel and only taken to hospital for treatment several hours later.

Despite an at times controversial career in which his “win by all means” approach saw him engage in what some described as cheating, Michael Schumacher has an almost unequalled level of respect and admiration for his astonishing achievements as a Formula One racing driver.

His record number of World Championships and individual race wins underlines the view that he is the greatest ever racing driver, and as a consequence his fame spread far beyond just motorsport fans. This in turn has led to many tens of thousands of well wishers from around the world sending their hopes and wishes that Schumacher recovers from the injuries sustained in this accident.

Michael Schumacher is getting the best possible medical attention. Fans of his around the world are hoping that this, combined with the determination he showed on the race tracks around the world, will be enough to see him recover from the injuries sustained.