Michael Schumacher's family has asked for privacy as the Formula One star remains in a critical condition in a French

hospital following a skiing accident. The 45-year-old is stable but remains in a coma at the Grenoble hospital as he fights the effects of a serious head injury. Schumacher is a formidable figure in F1, winning a record seven world titles, and his plight has attracted global interest and anoutpouring of support from the sport's fans. However his family wants the media to keep their distance. "Please support us in our common fight with Michael," Corinna Schumacher, wife of the F1 racer, said in a statement. "It is important to me that you [media] relieve the doctors and the hospital so that they can work in peace. "I kindly ask you to trust their statements and leave the clinic. Please also let our family in peace."

Schumacher a global athlete

Retracing Schumacher's off-piste route

Manager: Schumacher in stable condition

Schumacher suffered severe head trauma in a skiing accident at the French Alps resort of Meribel on 29 December. The German hit a rock hidden under deep snow and was catapulted head first onto another rock. He was not moving fast at the time. He is in a medically induced coma and has undergone two operations. His condition has attracted intense media scrutiny and last week a journalist disguised as a priest tried to sneak into the French hospital room where the Formula One superstar is being treated. The doctors at the hospital have also called for the media to provide more respect.

"The privacy of the patient demands that we are not going into details of his treatment, and this is why we do not plan any press conferences, nor give out written press releases, anymore for the time being," they said in a statement on Monday "We again insistently ask you to respect the medical secrets and to stick to the information given by the medical team in charge of the patient or his management, as this is the only valid information. "The clinical state of Michael Schumacher is considered as stable and is constantly monitored by the medical treatments that are administered to him. "However, the medical team responsible underlines that they will not stop to consider Michael's condition as critical." Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm added: "I can confirm Michael's condition can be considered as stable, as written in the official statement. I cannot confirm to have stated that his life is out of danger." French prosecutors will reportedly brief journalists on their investigation into Schumacher's accident on Wednesday in the Alpine town of Albertville. Schumacher is the most successful driver in Formula One history,driving for the Benetton and Ferrari teams and winning a record seven world titles and 91 grand prix wins. Read: Investigators study Schumacher ski helmet camera

Michael Schumacher navigates a slalom course at the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in 2005. The seven-time Formula One world champion remains in a critical condition following a skiing accident in the French Alps on Sunday. The 44-year-old was reportedly wearing a helmet. Ski safety specialist Dr. Mike Langran says a helmet can never provide complete protection in all accident situations, but its use "will have substantially attenuated the injuries sustained."

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Michael Schumacher's wife asks for privacy as the Formula One racer remains in a critical condition She also asks for the media to leave the French hospital where he is being treated Doctors say Schumacher's condition is stable but that he is being constantly monitored The racing driver hit his head on a rock while skiing at the end of December

The retired seven-times Formula One world champion slammed his head on a rock while skiing off-piste on December 27.

Schumacher has been in an induced coma since then and has undergone two operations in Grenoble.

Former United States president Bill Clinton said that his prayers were with Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher as the former driver battles for his life in Grenoble, France. The seven-time drivers' World Champion suffered a serious head injury in a skiing accident at Grenoble on Sunday. Schumacher, who turns 45 Jan 3, underwent a brain surgery and is currently in a medically induced coma. "Thinking today of Michael Schumacher and grateful for all he's done w/@clintonfdn and for others. My prayers are with him and his family," Clinton tweeted Monday.(IANS)

even-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is reportedly in a state of coma following an injury to his head in a ski accident in the French Alps on Sunday. The 44-year-old is said to be in a critical condition as he suffered from a serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival to the hospital. According to Sky news, F1 drivers took to the social media to wish Schumacher a speedy recovery.