File photo of Ferrari Formula One Driver Michael Schumacher of Germany Celebrates After Taking the Pole Position at the End of the Qualifying Session for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir Racetrack in Manama
IN PHOTO: Ferrari Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Germany celebrates after taking the pole position at the end of the qualifying session for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir racetrack in Manama in this March 11, 2006 file picture. Reuters

Sabine Kehm has released a new update regarding the latest condition of Formula One, or F1, stricken racing legend Michael Schumacher. Contrary to a recent report claiming that Schumacher was making cognitive progress, Khem said that the seven-time world champion still faces a long road to full recovery.

Kehm exclusively spoke with Reuters and said that Schumacher still needs to battle a "long time and a hard fight" from the injuries he sustained in the catastrophic skiing accident in December 2013. According to Kehm, Schumacher, who will turn 46 on Jan. 3, is making appropriate but steady progress.

Kehm's statements came after former F1 driver Philippe Streiff revealed in an interview with French news outlet Le Parisien that Schumacher was starting to recognize his family although still unable to talk. Streiff reportedly said that Schumacher has been able to make very limited movements. Streiff has claimed that he got the information from Schumacher's wife Corinna and his doctor Gerard Saillant.

However, Kehm is quick to refute such stories. She said that she can't confirm the story, but she is certain that Streiff has never had interaction with her or Schumacher's family.

In November, Kehm has also refuted Streiff's comments on the Schumacher's health condition. Streiff has previously claimed that Schumacher was paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. Streiff alleged that Schuamcher was getting better, although the situation remains "relative and difficult."

On Dec. 29, Schumacher's tragic accident in the slopes of Meribel marks its first year anniversary. The F1 champion has spent more than six months in artificially-induced coma. Since waking up from coma, Schumacher has been transferred to a medical facility in Lausanne, Switzerland before he continued his rehabilitation and recovery in his mansion in Lake Geneva.

Schumacher is hailed as one of the greatest F1 drivers in history. He is a seven-time world champion, having had won in 1994 - 1995 and 2000 - 2004. He has previously raced for Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes. During his stint with F1, Schumacher has made a number of records including the largest championship-winning margin with 67 points in 2002, the most wins with one team (Ferrari), and the most wins at the same Grand Prix among others. Schumacher stepped away from the sport in 2006 and officially retired in 2012.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@ibtimes.com.au.

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