Michael Schumacher latest: Close friend of Schumacher provides update on F1 legend

It is understood that Schumacher is now offered around-the-clock care by a dedicated team at a retreat in Switzerland, overlooking Lake Geneva.

Last week, a never-before-seen letter sent from his wife Corinna to a German musician who dedicated a hymn to the driver, described Schumacher as a “fighter”.

But his exact condition has been kept a closely-guarded secret - and even close friends have not been told, according to Danish racer Nicklas.

Speaking to Danish newspaper BT, Nicklas paid tribute to Mick whom he revealed does find things ‘hard’

"Mick does not say he is sad about his father,” said Nicklas. “He just said sometimes that it is sometimes hard.

"I know him very well, also privately. He is a very quiet and calm guy. Very nice and welcoming and he talks to everyone.

"It was completely closed and not talked about. I still do a little karting with Ralf Schumacher and his team and nobody talks about it.

"It may be that Michael is on his way back and will only come out again when he is completely rehabilitated.

“But it's hard to say what's going on.”

Earlier this month a poster was released to raise funds for Michael Schumacher's Keep Fighting Foundation.

It depicts his stunning career - in which he won 91 races - with the word 'Champion' at the bottom, marked by each of his F1 world title triumphs.