The seven times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher is in a critical condition after an off-piste skiing accident in the French Alps.

The 44-year-old German former racing driver, who is being treated at a hospital in the city of Grenoble, fell and hit his head on a rock.

Although he was wearing a helmet at the time and was said to be conscious after the accident, his condition quickly deteriorated.

Jean-Marc Grenier, director of Grenoble Hospital issued a short statement: “He’s suffering from a serious cranial injury and is in a coma and required immediate neurological intervention on his arrival. He remains in a critical condition.”

Schumacher was with his 14-year-old son in the French Alps resort of Meribel when he fell. He is considered an excellent skier.

Schumacher, widely regarded as the sport’s most successful driver, clocked up a record of 91 race victories and 105 podium finishes before leaving the sport last year. He won his titles with Benetton and Ferrari.

Update after Grenoble hospital's press conference

Former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher’s condition remains critical and it is not clear how it will progress, doctors treating him after a skiing injury said on Monday. They told a news conference at a hospital in the eastern French city of Grenoble that Schumacher remained in an artificial coma.

#MichaelSchumacher is "still in a critical condition" after suffering a head trauma in a ski accident: doctors at Grenoble CHU. — euronews (@euronews) 30 Décembre 2013

#MichaelSchumacher: "So far, we cant say anything what is going to happen next": doctors at Grenoble CHU — euronews (@euronews) 30 Décembre 2013

#MichaelSchumacher's doctors want to reduce his intra-cranial pressure. Doctors confirm he had only one surgical operation. — euronews (@euronews) 30 Décembre 2013

#MichaelSchumacher: "Given the violence of the impact, the helmet" caught part of the shock. Without an helmet, he would be dead. (hopital) — euronews (@euronews) 30 Décembre 2013

No second operation planned for #MichaelSchumacher after his ski accident: doctors at press conference. — euronews (@euronews) 30 Décembre 2013

#MichaelSchumacher's doctors confirm he has been placed in a "therapeutic hypothermia," doesnt breath on its own.(hospital press conference) — euronews (@euronews) 30 Décembre 2013