Michael Schumacher “is trying to win his toughest race” as he continues his long battle to recover from the head injuries he sustained during a skiing fall in the French Alps which left him in a coma.

Luca di Montezemolo, the ex-Ferrari president, was inducted into the Automotive “Hall of Fame” and he dedicated his award to the seven-time world champion and former Ferrari driver Schumacher.

Speaking at the event in Detroit, United States, Montezemolo said: “I don’t know if I would have received this award without him.

“It is dedicated to him, because he is trying to win his toughest race.”

Schumacher, 46, is currently recovering after suffering severe brain injuries following a ski accident in Meribel.

Schumacher spent several months fighting for his life in a coma following the crash, but was later transferred from a hospital in the French town of Grenoble to a Swiss hospital after regaining consciousness. He returned home to Gland on Lake Geneva in September 2014 for further rehabilitation. There have been very few updates regarding the Formula One legend as his family has imposed a near-total news blackout on the care he is receiving at his Swiss mansion.

Mr. Montezemolo also admitted Schumacher’s plight was “very sad”.

He added: “He was not only someone I worked with, but above all a friend with whom I shared so much. To know that he now lies in bed for such a long time is very sad”

According to various reports Schumacher has been left a mute with “limited awareness” of his environment and is also still unable to walk following the crash. The F1 legend’s manager Sabin Kehm had earlier said that he was “making progress”.

We at ES pray for a speedy recovery of the F1 legend’s health.