Michael Schumacher Update: Surgeon Denies Reports About F1 Legend's Condition

There appear to be inconsistencies regarding reports about Michael Schumacher's recovery.

Christian Times reported that Dr. Gerard Saillant, the surgeon who treated the former seven-time F1 champion denied a report claiming that Michael was starting to recognize his family and close friends. Dr. Saillant treated the German racer after his skiing accident in the French Alps on December 29, 2013.

Philippe Streiff, a former Formula One driver, said that Michael was already starting to recognize his family but still had big issues with his memory. He further said that the German had very limited movement but might be able to walk on crutches in the future. There were other sources claiming that he shed tears when he heard the sound of his wife and kids' voices and that it was a huge sign of progress.

However, Dr. Saillant and Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager, disproved the claims, especialy that of Streiff, saying that there is still no confirmation regarding the former champion's expected recovery period and current condition.

Kehm said, "He is making progress appropriate to the severity of the situation." Kehm added that she could not confirm the previous claims since Streiff never communicated with them. Furthermore, the sources of Streiff's comments remained unclear.

Mirror reported that the retired racer was an avid skier and hit his head on a rock, which severely damaged his brain. He had to be put in a coma for six months. He was first treated in the intensive care unit in Grenoble Hospital in France before being moved to Lausanne Hospital in Switzerland. In September 2014, he was brought back home in Lake Geneva and placed in a special rehab room, with his treatment continued by a team of doctors.

While the reports on his progress was denied by his surgeon, the sale of their Norwegian holiday home was confirmed. According to Michael's family, they already decided to sell the house even before the accident. His current condition did not affect their decision regarding the property's sale.

NBC News reported that Michael's 15-year-old son, Mick, is making a name in the racing business. As his father continues to recuperate, the younger Schumacher signed his first professional racing contract.

Dutch team Van Amersfoort confirmed on March 2, 2015, "We have seen his skills in testing and we are looking forward to a successful season."

Rob Niessink, chief executive of Van Amersfoort said, "Mick is very excited about his new challenge, it is a big step in his racing career."