German celebrity magazine Bunte published a front-page story this week claiming that Schumacher had made enough medical progress to be able to walk with the help of therapists, as well as raise an arm.

But Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, says that there is no truth to the claims – and goes as far as suggesting it is wrong for such speculation to be made because it gives false hope to the German driver's many fans.

"Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true,” Kehm said in a statement issued to media.

“Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael. Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people."

Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a ski crash in France in December 2013, and was placed in a coma for many months in a bid to keep him alive.

Although being transferred home in June last year to continue his rehabilitation, there has been no official news regarding his progress – with his family understandably eager to keep his situation private.