Doctors battle to save Formula One champ Michael Schumacher after skiing accident in French Alps Friends and former foes of Michael Schumacher have taken to Twitter to express their well wishes to the Formula 1 champion and his family as he recovers from a skiing accident. DOCTORS have described the terrible state of Formula One champion Michael Schumacher who is fighting for his life after an off-piste skiing accident in the French Alps. The German racing legend, who turns 45 at the end of the week, was helicoptered off a mountain in the upmarket Meribel resort on Sunday (local time) after falling and hitting his head on a rock while skiing with his 14-year-old son. Initially described as non-life-threatening, his condition gradually deteriorated and the hospital where he was being treated eventually announced that Schumacher was critical, had serious brain trauma and had undergone an emergency operation. In an update to reporters last night (Australian time) doctors at the hospital in the southeastern city of Grenoble said that while it was too early to make a prognosis on the famous patient, he was fighting for his life. "He is in critical condition, his condition can be described as life threatening," Jean-Francois Payen, head of the intensive care unit, said. Stephan Chabardes, the professor who operated on Schumacher, said the former racer arrived in hospital in an agitated state - his arms and legs jerking uncontrollably - and was not able to answer questions. His condition "rapidly deteriorated" and he fell into a coma, he said. Dr Payen said Schumacher was immediately operated on and still suffered from "serious and diffuse brain lesions," which indicates his injuries are not localised but more widespread. Michael Schumacher after winning the Belgium Grand Prix in 2004. Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes, left, Head of Intensive Care Jean Francois Payen, assistant director general of CHU at Grenoble Hospital Marc Penaud, and Chief of Neurosurgery Emmanuel Gay at a press conference following Michael Schumacher's brain surgery. Michael Schumacher's skiing accident happened at the "Dent de Burgin" peak in the French ski resort of Meribel, French Alps. Dr Payen added that Schumacher would not be alive if he had not been wearing a helmet. Given the violence of the impact, his helmet partially protected him. If someone had had this type of accident without a helmet, they would definitely not be here," he said. Schumacher's wife Corinna and the rest of his family have thanked well-wishers and gave a special nod to the doctors treating him. "We would like to thank the medical team who, we know, do everything possible to help Michael," Corinna said in a statement. Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna in November 2012. Sky Sports Germany's Gernot Bauer confirms that Michael Schumacher remains in a critical but stable condition at a Grenoble hospital following his skiing accident. Meanwhile, Austrlaian Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker has backed Schumacher to use his famous fighting spirit to pull through a coma for a special tribute in his honour at next year's Melbourne's race. Mr Walker revealed he had contacted Schumacher three weeks ago to invite him to Victoria for a lap of honour at the Albert Park circuit where he is a four-time winner. Mr Walker said F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had flown to the French Alps to be by Schumacher's side and the seven time World Champion would be treated by the world's best doctors as he fights for life. "I don't think he will go and in fact we asked him to come to Melbourne only three weeks ago to do a tour of honour," Mr Walker said. He will be here, don't worry ... the man we're talking about is a very special individual. Australian Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker and Michael Schumacher in 2008. After speaking to surgeons, Mr Walker said he was confident the sporting great would recover, especially after seeing F1 drivers survive horrific accidents such as high speed head collisions with steering wheels. "The modern science of looking after people today is such that they can bring them out of this," he said. I think he will pull through. He's getting the best attention in the world. I know that Mr Ecclestone has gone to the hospital and that he will not lack the attention of the world's best surgeons. Schumacher, 44, won 91 races in a glittering career including Australian crowns at Albert Park in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004 for Ferrari, world titles in 1994 and 1995 and an incredible five straight championships from 2000-2004. With the tough German set for the fight of his life, Mr Walker said his fitness would hold him in good stead. "He's just a very nice man," he said. He's thrilled the crowds in Melbourne, he's thrilled them all over the world and that is why he's held in such deep respect and that is why there has been such an outpouring throughout the world in terms of wishing him well. F1 drivers and fans across the world have sent their support to Michael Schumacher. Michael Schumacher at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, 2011. Fellow former World Champion Jenson Button yesterday joined a chorus of support from around the world praying Schumacher would survive. "Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this," he said. Former Ferrari driver and 2005 Australian champion Giancarlo Fisichella said on Twitter: "This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again." Schumacher retired from the high octane sport at the end of the 2006 season before making a comeback in 2010 with Mercedes and retiring for good last year. He was a popular fixture in Melbourne during Grand Prix weeks, delighting fans with impromptu soccer matches, helping launch a women's motorsport scholarship last year and enjoying meals at St Kilda's Stokehouse restaurant. "He's such a model athlete that so many people have tried to emulate," Mr Walker said.