No ‘good news’ on Michael Schumacher, says ex-Ferrari chief

The 7-time world champion suffered head injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and fighting for full recovery since.

Sombre ex-Ferrari chief Luca de Montezemolo admitted Thursday that he did not have -"good news-" regarding the condition of stricken Formula One legend Michael Schumacher.

Former seven-time world champion Schumacher suffered head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in December 2013 and spent six months in an induced coma before returning to his home in Switzerland to continue his rehabilitation.

-"I get news about him constantly, and unfortunately it's not good,-" said Montezemolo when asked about Schumacher in Milan on Thursday.

Montezemolo did not elaborate on 47-year-old Schumacher's condition, but he added: -"He was the most successful driver Ferrari ever had. He only suffered one accident in his entire career, in 1999, and it was our fault, not his.-"Unfortunately, a skiing accident ruined his life.-"

Amid speculation Schumacher was at fault for the accident that has left him in a coma for over two years, Montezemolo defended the former champion.

-"It's not true that Michael wasn't careful on his skis. When he went off piste, he was always careful,-" he added. -"More than anything, on skis he was very careful.-"

Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm declined to comment on Montezemolo's remarks when contacted by British TV channel Sky Sports.

Kehm's most recent official statement was issued last May when she said: -"We're glad to be able to continue to say that he is making progress, as I always say, given the severity of his head injuries-".

In November, Schumacher was described by FIA president Jean Todt as -"still fighting-".

-"Michael was and remains a close friend of mine,-" said Todt, who was Schumacher's team boss at Ferrari when the German won five titles between 2000 and 2004.

-"His family is very close. I see Michael often and can tell you: Michael is still fighting. And his family are still fighting by his side.-"