Ahead of Michael Schumacher’s 50th birthday tomorrow, wife of the 7 time Champion issued a rare statement this morning to the fans.

“We are very happy to celebrate Michael’s 50th birthday tomorrow together with you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts that we can do this together.”

The German suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not been seen in public since.

The former Ferrari driver is being treated at his home in Switzerland, but little is known about his recovery.

A fair number of fans seem very frustrated that very little information has been released from the family, casting light on the condition of the 7 time German Champion. Perhaps as a token of this, the family have decided to release an app ahead of Michaels birthday tomorrow, celebrating the driver’s acomplishments.

“As a gift to him, you and us, Keep Fighting Foundation has created a virtual museum. The Official Michael Schumacher App will be released tomorrow, so that we can review all together Michael’s successes. The app is another milestone in our effort to do justice to him and you, his fans, by celebrating his accomplishments. We wish you a lot of fun with it.”

“Michael can be proud of what he has achieved, and so are we! That’s why we remember his successes with the Michael Schumacher Private Collection exhibition in Cologne, by publishing memories in social media and by continuing his charitable work through the Keep Fighting Foundation.

“We want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records and his jubilation.”

“You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him.

“Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy. At the same time we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019.”

Schumacher’s son Mick needs ‘Time to develop’

Paddock rumour has it that Formula 1’s top two teams – Mercedes and Ferrari – are looking to sign up the son of Michael into their junior programmes, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that Mercedes won’t take him on just yet.

“Mick won his Formula 3 title with a Mercedes engine, but for now, you have to give him time to develop,” Wolff explains after being asked if Mercedes have formed a contract with Mick.

“My priority is to find a seat for Esteban Ocon in 2020,” concludes Wolff.