Michael Schumacher serious but no threat to life, says friend: Report

Michael Schumacher is reportedly 'out of danger' and while his condition is still serious, his life is not under threat. The legendary F1 driver has been in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital in Grenoble since meeting with a tragic skiing accident in the French Alps.

According to a report in UK's The Telegraph, Schumacher's friend and former race driver - Philippe Streiff - told reporters on Friday, that doctors had told him about the improvement. "I'm not a doctor, I'm repeating what Gerard Saillant (surgeon and friend of the Schumacher family) told me," he was quoted as saying in the report. "Gerard Saillant said it is a serious condition but his life is not in danger anymore now, thankfully."

While the hospital has not made any official announcements, Schumacher's manager Sabine Khem had said earlier this week that the retired F1 legend's condition had stabilised and that he was being monitored constantly. (Also read: 'Insensitive' Hamilton slammed for posting skiing pics online)

Schumacher, who turned 45 on Friday while still in a state of induced coma, hit his head against a rock while skiing near the eastern French city of Grenoble. While Khem has said that he was not skiing at a high-speed, the impact of the fall shattered his helmet into two.  Latest reports reveal that the helmet has been handed over to French investigators. (Read: Camera on Schumacher's helmet inspected)

Fans and sports persons around the world have been praying for the German's recovery. On Friday, a large group of fans including children and elderly held a silent vigil for their hero.