Schumacher ‘critical’ after ski fall

FORMER formula one world champion Michael Schumacher is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering head injuries in a fall while snow skiing in France.

European reports say the 44-year-old seven-time world champion hit his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps resort of Meribel.

He apparently was conscious but agitated after the accident, and later underwent emergency brain surgery for a brain haemorrhage at the University Hospital of Grenoble.

An experienced skier with competition experience, German-born Schumacher was apparently wearing a helmet at the time of the fall.

The father of three, who turns 45 this Friday, was given first aid by local police, but when he fell into a coma, he was flown by helicopter to the Grenoble hospital within 10 minutes.

French news reports say renowned Paris neurosurgeon Gerard Saillant was brought to the hospital by police car to take charge of the treatment.

The fiercely competitive Schumacher retired from formula one in 2012 after making an unsuccessful comeback with the Mercedes team.

He won more world titles and more grands prix than any other driver in history.