- .World champion fell in Meribel resort in French Alps skiing with son, 14
- .German, who retired from sport last year, widely regarded as one of best ever drivers
- .Resort's Director General has said he doesn't know extent of injuries
- .Not yet clear if it happened on or off piste
By MIA DE GRAAF and PETER ALLEN
Racing driver Michael Schumacher has been seriously injured in a skiing accident.
The 44-year-old was with his 14-year-old son, Mick, in the French Alps resort of Meribel when he fell over this morning.
‘He was wearing a helmet but his head apparently hit a rock,’ said an emergency services source. ‘He suffered a serious head injury.
'Injured': The seven-time world champion (pictured skiing in Italy) is said to have fallen in Meribel ski resort in the French Alps
‘The alarm was raised, and when help arrived he was conscious but very shocked. A helicopter immediately airlifted him to hospital in Moutiers’.
Schumacher, who was F1 world champion seven times, was airlifted to an emergency ward 80 miles away in Grenoble, while police began to investigated the circumstances of the accident.
It is not known whether it happened on or off piste.
Schumacher is a motor racing legend, having won the most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions and races in a single season.
The ski station's director told French radio the German was airlifted to hospital 80 miles away in Grenoble where he is conscious and being treated for a head injury.
Speaking to RMC radio, Christophe Gernignon-Lecomte confirmed the accident, saying: 'He was shocked, a little shaken, but conscious.
'I do not know the severity of the injury.
It is believed the 44-year-old has been transported to hospital near the resort in the province of Savoie in France
The former Mercedes driver, pictured here during the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, retired last year
'The police are currently conducting their investigation into the origins of the fall.'
He added: 'We do not know yet if it happened on a piste or off-piste.'
It is understood Schumacher was staying in a luxury villa at the resort which is a favourite among Europe's wealthy elite.
He is passionate skier who has a run named after him in the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio.
French radio reports claim he suffered 'severe' skull fractures in the accident this morning.
First reports from the scene said the record breaking driver was airlifted to a local hospital but he was conscious upon arrival.
Schumacher, pictured here in India, has won the most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions and races in a single season out of any driver
The German, who officially retired in 2012 after returning from a four-year break from the sport, is widely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers ever. He turned down a chance to drive for Lotus in the final two races of this year.
No further details are yet to be released about his injuries.
The resort, in the Tarentaise Valley, is part of the three valleys in the province of Savoie.
A popular destination for luxury hotels and world-class skiing conditions, it is situated near the town of Moutiers.
Schumacher has one son, and a daughter, Gina-Marie, with his wife, Corinna.
They live in a lakeside mansion in Switzerland worth £50million. He has an extensive classic car collection and a special trophy room for the awards he has collected during his racing career.
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