Formula One (illustrative)
Formula One (illustrative)Flash 90

Former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is still in serious conditions after suffering severe head injuries in a skiing accident on Sunday.

Schumacher - who is currently in a medically-induced coma - was skiing with his 14 year-old son off-piste in the French Alps when he fell and struck his head on a rock. He made it to the hospital still conscious but in an "agitated condition", and doctors said his neurological condition "rapidly deteriorated" from there.

His condition has since improved slightly, after doctors performed at least one operation to alleviate pressure on his brain. The procedure lasted two hours, and was performed only after his family consented following a scan which showed a small window of opportunity. There are conflicting reports as to whether a second operation was performed Monday evening.

However, the seven-time champion is still in a critical condition, and not out of danger yet. Doctors say there is no way of knowing how his condition will develop yet.

At a press conference, Jean-Francois Payen, the head anaesthetician at the hospital in Grenobles where Schumacher is being treated, told journalists that his "condition is still critical and (it's) too premature to say anything."

"The situation is more under control than yesterday but we cannot say that he is out of danger," he said, adding that Schumacher's family were aware that "his state is still sensitive and anything can happen."

Payen added that the 44 year-old sporting legend's accident would certainly have been fatal, had he not been wearing a helmet at the time. Reports indicate that the fall was so hard that his helmet actually shattered; French prosecutors are already investigating the cause of the accident.

The family has received many messages of support, including one from a former teammate who himself recovered from life-threatening head injuries.

In a message on Instagram, Felipe Massa, who nearly died after an accident at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, said "I am praying for you my brother! I hope you have a quick recovery! God bless you, Michael."