Michael Schumacher: F1 icon lauded as 'hero' as battle to recover from ski crash continues
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER has been lauded as a hero by Formula 1’s new chief - while the racing icon’s exact condition remains closely guarded by his family.
2014: Schumacher returns home after awakening from coma
Ross Brawn mentioned F1 legend Michael Schumacher as he discussed how the sport had changed hugely during his years in racing.
Mr Brawn, who was technical director on the Bennetton and Ferrari teams during Schumacher’s time at both, said drivers were no longer treated like heroes.
He said it was different during the time of Schumacher’s reign, when they were also reunited at Mercedes, as the racing legend won seven world championships and became one of the most famous sportsmen on the planet.
Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher during their days at Ferrari
Mr Brawn said of F1 during the 1990s: “Michael was a hero. But hero worship is no longer promoted. They come from a world of stars."
Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn worked together at Benneton and Ferrari
Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing in December 2013 and has not appeared in public since.
His family keep his condition private but friends regularly provide mixed clues as to how Schumacher is doing.
READ MORE: What is the latest on Michael Schumacher's health?
Shortly before Christmas Mr Brawn revealed Schumacher had made some progress.
He said: “There are encouraging signs and we are all praying every day that we see more of them.”
And last year a former Ferrari boss also said he was responding well to medical treatment, praising his strength and offering hope to Schumacher’s many fans.
Michael Schumacher's manager says fans shouldn't give up
Luca Cordero di Montezelmo said: “I’m very pleased to know that he is reacting.
“I know how strong he is. I’m sure that thanks to this determination, which will be crucial, he will come out from this very, very difficult situation.”
However just days later a former sponsor dampened expectations by saying it would take a “miracle” to see Schumacher in public again.
Michael Schumacher was a hero, according to Ross Brawn
Michael Schumacher's health has been a closely-guarded secret since his tragic skiing accident
Gerd Krämer said: “He is in a more than difficult situation, and it would take a miracle to see him in public again.
“He is completely shielded by his family.”
The comments came just a few weeks ahead of the new F1 season.