Michael Schumacher health update: Progress 'painfully slow'; rumors of improving condition unconfirmed

It has been more than two years since F1 champion Michael Schumacher sustained life-threatening injuries in a skiing accident. Previously, it was said that Schumacher's recovery is good, but the news is unconfirmed by the former race car driver's camp.

Michael SchumacherReuters

According to News24, the news that Schumacher has already woken up and recovering, even able to walk, is false. The news website quoted Sabine Kehm, Schumi's manager and official spokesperson, as saying that those who propagate the stories are "irresponsible and offering false hope."

Kehm added that official statements coming from her about Schumacher's health condition are the only ones that should be accepted.

Meanwhile, although it did not come from Kehm, a recent statement on the F1 champion's healths seem to confirm how slow the recovery is progressing. The News24 report added that former Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has been quoted as saying, "I have news of him continuously and it is not good."

This is in line with a recent report by Express. Reportedly, an inside source told the publication that while it is true that Schumacher is recovering, "Progress is painfully slow. There is no miracle on the horizon."

Schumacher's slow and painful medical progress reflects how bad the situation still is. The F1 champion is reportedly constantly monitored by a team of 15 medical personnel, advised by professor Jean-Francois Payen.

Professor Payen was also the one who originally treated Schumi right after his accident, operating immediately on the blood clots that resulted from the skiing accident on Dec. 29, 2013.

As fans continue to pray for Schumi's health, it is uncertain whether the F1 champion will recover fully from the accident. The report quoted Peter Hamlyn, neurological and spinal surgeon, as saying that it will take years for Schumi to show progressive signs of recovery. Hamlyn said, "If you look at severe head injury victims who go on to make a good recovery – and I'm not saying all do – it will always be a story of years."