Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher remains in critical condition after hitting his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps.

The 44-year old retired pilot was flown to the Grenoble University Hospital Center in France by helicopter and immediately taken into surgery. Doctors say he was conscious and agitated on the flight to the hospital and put into an artificial coma shortly before the operation.

Orthopedic and trauma surgeon Gerard Saillant was flown from Paris to operate on the German pilot. Saillant already operated on Schumacher following a Formula 1 crash in 1999 and the two men are close friends.

Schumacher’s manager is not releasing any details about his condition, saying only that he was skiing with his 14-year old son and wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Key figures from the Formula 1 world such as Jean Todt, the former boss of the Ferrari team, flew to Grenoble to be with Schumacher. The hospital is reporting that fans have organized an impromptu gathering outside of the facility in order to show their support.

A spokesperson has announced the hospital will hold a press conference about Schumacher’s condition later today. Check back over the course of the day, we will update this article as soon as more information becomes available.

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