Michael Schumacher condition latest news: Long term recovery, but appropriate progress for F1 driver

Although news on seven-time Formula One racing champion Michael Schumacher's health condition remains scarce, it seems clear that the world-renowned athlete is facing a long road to recovery.

One of the most recent update on Schumacher's health came from former F1 driver Philippe Streiff, who is part of the German racer's inner circle.

In an article posted on Autoweek.com, Streiff said Schumacher's recovery efforts seem be "long term."

Streiff, who was himself paralyzed due to an accident in 1989, also revealed that the racing champ is "starting to recognize those close to him" but still cannot speak.

Streiff sourced his information from two persons close to the German athlete: his wife Corinna and his doctor Gerard Saillant.

Streiff's statements supported earlier pronouncements made by Alberto Sabbatini, editor-in-chief of Italian magazine Autosprint.

Sabbatini earlier said he received "reliable and verified information" that Schumacher is making a "very slow recovery."

Citing information from individuals who have seen the racing champion recently, Sabbatini said Schumacher is still a "prisoner of an immobile body."

The magazine executive also said that Schumacher "sits in a chair in front of the windows of his villa" when not undergoing physical therapy to avoid muscle atrophy.

A report from Reuters meanwhile quoted Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, as saying that the F1 champ "is making progress appropriate to the severity of the situation."

In December 2013, Schumacher suffered a fall and smashed his head on a rock while skiing at the French resort of Meribel. The athlete suffered a traumatic brain injury, although he was wearing a safety helmet at the time of the accidnet.

Schumacher was in a coma until June last year. He was released from the hospital and was brought back to his home last year, where he is being further rehabilitated.