Schumacher in coma after ski fall

Although initial reports stated that Schumacher's injuries were not life threatening, the Grenoble hospital treating Schumacher reported on Sunday night that the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's condition had worsened and was now regarded as "critical".

A statement from Schumacher's management team confirmed that he had been placed in a coma with a head trauma and had required immediate neurological treatment.

The accident happened while the 44-year-old was skiing in the French resort of Meribel in the popular Three Valleys area.

He was wearing a helmet when he hit his head on a rock.

Schumacher's spokeswoman confirmed: "Michael fell on his head when he was on a private skiing trip in the French Alps.

"He was taken to hospital and is receiving professional medical attention. We ask for understanding that we cannot give out continuous information about his health.

"He was wearing a helmet and was not alone. No-one else was involved in the fall."

Gerard Saillant, one of the leading neurologists in Paris and a friend of the star, was accompanied by police as he was rushed to the hospital.

Schumacher owns a chalet in Meribel and is a keen skier.

The German driver retired from Formula One for a second time in December 2012.