Michael Schumacher may still be far from returning to his peak condition, but the F1 legend is rumored to be responding well to therapy.

In an interview with German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that was spotted by Wheels 24, former Formula 1 priest Don Sergio Mantovani revealed that the seven-time F1 World Champion continues to fight for his life nearly three years after his almost fatal ski accident in the French Alps.

"What we saw as a driver and certainly what is true still today is that Michael is a fighter, I know he believes in God, but doesn't go to church," the priest stated in the interview. Though Mantovani admitted that it was a while since he last saw the legendary racer, he believes that Schumacher is still doing well. "I know probably more than I want to say, but recently I have had no contact. I still pray for Michael," he also said.

Schumacher was initially placed in a medically induced coma due to traumatic brain injury after he fell head first on a rock during a ski holiday with his son Mick in December 2013, but was gradually weaned out of coma when small improvements were seen in April 2014. In September of the same year, the 47-year-old F1 racer was allowed to return home for further rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Schumacher's former Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa paid tribute to the to the two-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year awardee when he announced his own retirement during the Italian Grand Prix in early September. The venue was also where Schumacher announced his retirement in 2006.

"I have decided to announce it here, since Michael announced his retirement here as well. He was a huge influence in my career and a really good friend," the 35-year-old Brazilian race car driver stated during his announcement as reported by Express UK.

The exact details of Schumacher's health condition are still kept under wraps at the moment.

"I have decided to announce it here, since Michael announced his retirement here as well. He was a huge influence in my career and a really good friend," the 35-year-old Brazilian race car driver stated during his announcement as reported by Express UK.

The exact details of Schumacher's health condition are still kept under wraps at the moment.

"I have decided to announce it here, since Michael announced his retirement here as well. He was a huge influence in my career and a really good friend," the 35-year-old Brazilian race car driver stated during his announcement as reported by Express UK.

The exact details of Schumacher's health condition are still kept under wraps at the moment.

"I have decided to announce it here, since Michael announced his retirement here as well. He was a huge influence in my career and a really good friend," the 35-year-old Brazilian race car driver stated during his announcement as reported by Express UK.

The exact details of Schumacher's health condition are still kept under wraps at the moment.