Michael Schumacher Still in Coma; Medical Experts Fear F1 Champion Will Forever Remain in a ‘Vegetative State’

A message (L) of support for former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher of Germany is seen on the car of Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain during the second practice session of the Australian F1 Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne March 14, 2014. Schumacher suffered severe head injuries when he slammed into a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps resort of Meribel in December. REUTERS/David Gray REUTERS

A new report say that Michael Schumacher is still in a medically-induced coma. As such, medical experts fear that the Formula One (F1) racing champion could forever be in a "vegetative state" the longer that he stays in a coma.

According to a news article published by Express.co.uk, the 45-year-old retired German racer has not woken up from his coma. "Stricken F1 ace Michael Schumacher spent his 150^th day in a medically-induced coma amid persistent rumours that he may be in a permanent vegetative state for the rest of his life," the Web site wrote.

As Schumacher enters his sixth month in a coma, medical experts fear that something unpleasant could happen, the Web site further reported.

"The only thing we can say is that, statistically, 30 percent of patients recover from a severe brain injury, mild impairments affects 50 percent of them, and 20 percent of them suffer from severe disabilities and remain dependent on constant help," French neurological professor Philippe Azouvi told Focus Magazine when asked about Schumacher's recovery chances.

German chief physician Dr. Andreas Zieger working at the neuro-rehabilitation unit of Evangelical Hospital stated no one can really predict when a person, who had suffered brain trauma, will wake up. "But the longer the recovery phase, one must conclude, means that the brain damage suffered have been serious."

Former F1 doctor Gary Hartstein wrote in his blog that the "longer Schumacher stays in a coma, the lesser the chances are that he will recover it."

Schumacher's wife, Corinna, and children, Gina Marie and Mick, reportedly remain at his bed side as he continue to receive treatment at the Grenoble University Hospital.

A close family friend was "worried" that the racing legend's family may be in "denial" about the outlook and chances of Schumacher's recovery. "Is there a sense of denial at play among them, I would say yes," the family friend revealed to The Sun as reported by Ibtimes.co.uk.

Corinna was rooting in faith and not in a miracle. "Corinna would view breaking faith with the hope of a miracle a betrayal, little better than treachery."

"She feels that the family communes around his bed side pulsate their hope and love to him, and that of the millions of fans worldwide who share that faith."

"She can't express defeat because that would be the end of her."

Hope is certainly crucial for Schumacher's family. Still the question remains - will Schumacher be able to recover?