MICHAEL Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes have urged him to “keep fighting” on the day of his 55th birthday.
The message of support comes as the seven-time F1 world champion continues to recover from a tragic skiing accident in December 2013.
The legendary German was left fighting for his life after suffering a severe brain injury that saw him placed in a medically induced coma.
But since being discharged from hospital in September 2014 to receive treatment at home, his recovery has been shrouded in mystery.
The birthday message from Mercedes, however, provides some minor update and suggests the 55-year-old is still battling back to full recovery.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the official Mercedes account wrote: “Happy Birthday, Michael. Today marks the @F1 legend’s 55th birthday. #KeepFightingMichael.”
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Attached was a photo of Schumacher celebrating in Mercedes-clad gear and standing in front of one of his former cars.
Fans flocked to the comments section to send their own birthday wishes to the German, but also to show their support for his wellbeing.
One person said: “The man who made me fall in love with F1. Happy birthday, legend!”
A second added: “Greatest of all time. I hope he is doing well.”
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A third wrote: “Keep Fighting Legend!”
Despite rare glimpses into his health offering little reason for optimism, the world of motorsport still holds the legendary German close to its hearts.
His personality, racecraft and records have left an irreversible mark on the sport’s history.
By the time Schumacher made his comeback from retirement in 2010 with Mercedes, however, he took just one podium during his three season stint.
But it is the seven world championships and 91 wins over a glittering career between 1992 and 2006 that he is best remembered for.
December 29 marked a full decade since Schumacher crashed while skiing in the French Alps, with his family sharing an agonising message
The Keep Fighting Foundation, founded and run by Schumacher’s family urged the “inspiration” to keep going.
But health updates continue to be few and far between, leaving room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
Schumacher’s ex-Ferrari rival, Rubens Barrichello, even revealed the time he was denied a visit to the F1 legend after his fateful accident.
Speaking to Flow Podcast in his native Brazil, Barrichello said he tried visiting his former teammate after the accident, but was declined after getting a call from Schuey’s team.
Three years before the crash, Schumacher tied up his £750million fortune to his family in his will and testament, despite being just 41 at the time.
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When questioned on his decision by a German magazine in 2010, he replied: “Because of things that can happen in everyday life.”
And how right he proved to be during that foreshadowing interview, with Schumacher left fighting for his life three years later.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
