Only a miracle can save Michael Schumacher: Doctors reportedly tell family

Doctors treating Michael Schumacher have reportedly told his family that 'only a miracle' can now save the legendary Formula One racer who has been battling for life since his tragic skiing accident on December 29.

According to a report in Britain's Daily Telegraph, wife Corinna and brother Ralph Schumacher have been seeking advice from top brain surgeons across Europe and they have been told that chances of survival are minimal. Quoting sources, the report claims that the 45-year-old Schumacher's family believes doctors treating him in French town of Grenoble have little hope of making any progress. "The family is said to be concerned that the French doctors treating Schumacher have little hope that he will recover and now assume that he will remain in a vegetative state for the rest of his life." (Key events since Schumacher's ski accident)

The legendary racer suffered a serious head injury when he crashed while skiing with his son and friends in the French Alpine ski resort of Meribel. Schumacher slammed his head during a fall in a boulder-strewn section and the impact broke even his protective helmet into two pieces.

Although medical bulletins have been kept to a minimum, Schumacher's management have repeatedly said that unofficial reports should be considered invalid. This after an Italian newspaper claimed that the seven-time F1 champion was 'breathing without assistance'.

Medical experts around the world broadly agree that chances of Schumacher making a full recovery are minimal. Experts say that artificial comas usually last for up to three weeks and that Schumacher has shown very little progress which dims chances of a recovery. (Also read: Schumi still in the waking up phase, says manager)