Michael Schumacher has been away from the public eye for years now, but fans are still in the dark when it comes to his current health status. However, recent reports claim that the F1 champion is responding well to treatment. He may even be well enough to make his first public appearance next year since his skiing accident.

According to reports, Schumacher is getting better each day, thanks to the team of therapists and doctors who are looking after him. Therapists have allegedly helped the renowned racer to slowly carry his weight and walk again. In addition, it has been said that Schumacher has even began uttering words, which is definitely a good sign.

Since the German racer's health is improving significantly, rumor has it that he is planning to spend the holidays with his family this year. It has also been reported that he might show himself to the public in 2018. Schumacher's family or manager has yet to confirm these claims, so viewers are advised to take this information with a grain of salt.

Meanwhile, Swiss photographer Michel Comte — who is also a close friend of Schumacher's — has announced that he will not be talking photos of the seven-time world champion anymore. The 63-year-old photographer has captured Schumacher's best moments in his career since he was still a budding racer. However, he said he just wants to preserve the F1 legend's image as healthy and happy.

In other news, Schumacher's family has been awarded £45,000 after a German celebrity magazine falsely claimed the racing icon could walk again. Bunte was sued by the Schumacher family in September when it revealed a false claim about the racer's health in a December 2015 article.

"He cannot walk. The report was false and damaged the right to privacy of Mr. Schumacher and his family," Attorney Felix Damm, the racing champion's lawyer, said in court when the family filed the lawsuit.