Michael Schumacher Latest Health Condition Update: F1 Racing Legend Has Had Drastic Weight Loss, Son Remain Positives

Oct 21, 2015 12:05 PM EDT

Two years on after the horrific accident that rendered the world's most famous F1 racer a vegetable, Michael Schumacher's camp remains mum on the less than encouraging developments on the recuperation of the race car driver. However, reports from friends and family show a very slow - and very expensive - recovery.

According to Mirror.co.uk, Schumacher has had a drastic weight loss and is now not more than 117 pounds - losing a quarter of his original body weight.

Ross Brawn, who ran the Ferrari F1 team when Schumacher still healthy, says he keeps in touch with Schumacher's family and has visited Formula One's most successful driver a number of times. While he acknowledges the "slow" recovery progress, he remains positives. 

Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm also said that the driver will "need a long time," to make considerable progress. Mick, Schumacher's son, made more positive comments on his father's recovery when he spoke to an F1 commentator.

The progress was a result of concentrated effort and vigilance on the part of the Formula One's loyal wife Corinna who has taken over the management of his estate and businesses. No expenses were spared in order to give the best care possible, which includes a team of trained specialists who are "entirely at his disposal." There is also a special clinic built within the Schumacher home grounds. To finance these costs of upkeep and maintenance, the family has accepted aid from corporations like Mercedes and have sold the driver's properties, including a private jet and a Norway holiday home, VC Post reports.

JobsnHire reports that there is a total of 15 medical experts in all, standing by to aid the fallen star at his home in Geneva, Switzerland. It was also reported that the clinic is a custom-built medical suite.

The good news is that from this year Schumacher already has the ability to recognize his family and other familiar faces, the report says. Although unable to form speech and move by himself, Schumacher  is no longer a 'vegetable' but instead weeps at the sound of voices he knows - particularly that of his wife and children. He also responds to someone talking to him by opening his eyes.

Meanwhile, life goes on for the Schumacher family which has made its intention known to host the 2016 world championships in reining, a western-style riding competition. The family plan's to host the world championships in August the following year on their custom-built ranch in Switzerland. So far they have already hosted junior European championships since 2014.