Formula One drivers from around the world have wished Michael Schumacher a full recovery as he lies in a coma after a skiing accident in France.
The German is in a critical condition after suffering a head injury.
The seven-time Formula One world champion crashed while skiing in the resort of Meribel and was airlifted to hospital.
A statement from the University Hospital of Grenoble, distributed by Schumacher’s management company on Sunday night, said the 44-year-old was in a coma.
“Mr Schumacher was admitted to the University Hospital of Grenoble at 12:40pm, following a skiing accident which occurred in Meribel in the late morning,” the statement read.
“He suffered a severe head injury with coma on arrival, which required immediate neurosurgical intervention. He remains in a critical situation.”
His family were reportedly with him at the hospital, as Schumacher had been skiing with his 14-year-old son when the accident occurred.
Schumacher’s management said he had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
The former racing driver’s spokeswomen Sabine Kehm said in a statement: “Michael fell on his head when he was on a private skiing trip in the French Alps.
“He was taken to hospital and is receiving professional medical attention.
“We ask for understanding that we cannot give out continuous information about his health.
“He was wearing a helmet and was not alone. No-one else was involved in the fall.”
Martin Brundle, who was Schumacher’s team-mate at Benetton in 1992 and 1993, tweeted: “Let’s hope Michael Schumacher’s ski shunt is not too bad and that he’s totally fixable. He’s a crazy brave skydiving/bike racing daredevil.”
Hours later, when the full extent of Schumacher’s injuries had become clear, he urged: “Come on Michael, give us one of those race stints at pure qualifying pace to win through, like you used to. You can do it.”
British F1 racer and former world champion Jenson Button also voiced his support for Schumacher and urged him to pull through.
“My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time.. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this,” he said.
Scottish F1 driver Paul di Resta added: “Terrible news about MSC, thinking of him and his family. Hoping for better news and that he can pull through £getwellsoon.”
Felipe Massa, the Brazilian driver whose injury brought Schumacher back to F1 in 2009, posted a picture of the pair embracing on Instagram, with the Portuguese message: “I’m praying for God to protect you, brother.”
In English, he wrote: “I hope you have a quick recovery! God bless you, Michael!”
Schumacher initially returned to the sport to cover for Massa while he was having a titanium plate put in his skull after crashing in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Jean-Eric Vergne, Jules Bianchi, and Max Chilton also weighed in, offering best wishes and wishing him a quick recovery.
Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella tweeted: “I know you Michael, you are the man, you are the best you are….. This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again!”
Romain Grosjean, who finished second to the German star in the 2012 Nations’ Cup, tweeted: “All our thoughts to Schumi and his family.”
Heikki Kovalainen, who tussled with him on the track in 2004 and 2007, wished him a “full recovery soon”.
Stars from other sports also added their well wishes.
Schumacher’s compatriot, tennis great Boris Becker, tweeted: “Let us all pray for #realschumacher michael for a full and speedy recovery !!!”
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan put the nation’s Ashes woes in perspective, posting: “Forget the cricket… Everyone’s thoughts should be with Michael Schumacher…”
Golfer Ian Poulter wrote: “Really hoping Michael Schumacher comes thru his terrible skiing accident. Wishing him well.”
Germany international footballer Jerome Boateng tweeted: “Get well soon, Michael Schumacher!”
Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent wrote: “Come on Michael Schumacher – thinking positive thoughts for him.”