Michael Schumacher is “making progress” in his recovery five-and-a-half years after the German racing driver suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident, according to his former boss.

Jean Todt, the Formula One star’s former manager at Ferrari, gave fans a rare update on his condition in an interview with Radio Monte-Carlo.

Mr Todt, one of the driver’s closest confidantes, said Mr Schumacher, 50, was making “good progress” and the pair watched F1 races on television.

“I’m always careful with such statements, but it’s true,” Mr Todt said. “I saw the race together with Michael Schumacher at his home in Switzerland."

Since he hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps in December 2013, Mr Schumacher’s wife Corinna has kept his condition private and his fans have had little news.

He was placed in a coma for months after the tragic accident and was pulled out gradually, a process completed in June 2014. He has not been seen in public since the accident. Doctors said he was lucky to have survived.

“Michael is in the best hands and is well looked after in his house. He does not give up and keeps fighting,” Mr Todt said.