Michael Schumacher has left hospital and will continue his recovery at home, his manager has said. The seven-time Formula One world champion, who suffered a skiing accident in France last year, had come out of an induced coma in June and has since been undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process.Manager Sabine Kehm has said that in the past "weeks and months" Michael has been making progress.
"Henceforth, Michael's rehabilitation will take place at his home," she said in her statement. "Considering the severe injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months. There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead." Sabine added: "We would like to extend our gratitude to the entire team at the CHUV Lausanne for their thorough and competent work. We ask that the privacy of Michael's family continue to be respected, and that speculations about his state of health are avoided."
Michael's wife Corinna makes rare public appearance eight months after accident
The racing driver, 45, suffered the accident in the French resort of Meribel shortly before New Year's Eve, after which he was immediately taken to the Grenoble University Hospital to undergo two operations. Michael, who was with his teenage son at the time of the collision, had hit his head on a rock, resulting in severe brain damage.In June, Michael was moved to the University Hospital of Lausanne in Switzerland, just 20 miles from the Schumacher family home. He was taken out of the medically-induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain.
Michael responding to his wife's voiceThe motor legend retired from F1 for a second time in 2012 having won seven world championships and secured 91 race victories during his 19-year career.