Michael Schumacher's Ex-Teammate Issues Health Update After Latest Major News

Michael Schumacher's former teammate has spoken about the Formula 1 legend's health.

Schumacher, 57, suffered a serious injury while skiing in the French Alps back in December 2013.

At the time, it was reported that the German was airlifted to the hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma until June 2014.

However, since then, very few updates have been made public as Schumacher's family opted to keep details private.

Recently, Daily Mail's Jonathan McEvoy delivered an update on Schumacher's life post-accident.

McEvoy stated that while Schumacher does reside in Majorca, his 'main residence' is said to be in Switzerland - he is 'reliably told' - on the banks of Lake Geneva. There have previously been reports of Schumacher visiting Switzerland.

It has also been mentioned that Schumacher requires round-the-clock care that reportedly costs 'tens of thousands of pounds a week'.

Now, Riccardo Patrese, who drove alongside Schumacher for Bennetton in the 1993 F1 season, has spoken about the German's condition.

Speaking to Hochgepokert, Patrese said: "I had this news, via a friend, that he was improving. But I never met him after the accident.

"I never went there, so it's only talk that he could sit, watch and look around and make contact with his eyes."

Riccardo Patrese (L) with Michael Schumacher (R) back in 1993. Image: Getty

He added: "After the first improvements, my knowledge about his health was that he was in the situation that they described this week. He's in his own world, but he recognises people around him, familiar faces. I am sure he does not know he is a seven-time world champion.

"Of course Michael is now living in the way that he is with a lot of effort from the family. I think in this kind of situation, it is a treasure for the person that they love. Even with the condition he is in, they like to have him and care for him and love him.

"He's still with us and we can only hope that he will get better. We are really hoping, every day he is doing a little bit more. I'm very happy to hear that Michael is improving but from what I know of this situation nothing has changed for some years."