MICHAEL Schumacher’s former teammate is hopeful that the Formula One icon is “on the mend”; after his first public act in 12 years.
, 56, signed fellow motorsport great alongside dozens of other drivers in a touching move that has left many hopeful around his .
The seven-time F1 world champion has not been seen in public since he after a accident in December 2013.
His wife Corinna has spent the years since creating a private world around Michaelas he continues his recovery.
Schumacher’s condition has remained a secret across the last decade but the recent signing of Stewart’s racing helmet has given the motorsport world a glimmer of hope.
He is said to have signed it with the help of Corinna as an image showed his initials “M.S”; on the bottom right of the iconic white helmet.
Schumacher’steammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995, Johnny Herbert,described the signature as an “emotional”; moment.
He toldFastSlots: “It’s wonderful news thatMichael Schumachersigned ‘s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.
“We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign.
“Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It’s been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we’ll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.”;
He added that the whole of the sporting world would love to one day see Schumacher back in the public eye among his fans.
“It would be so welcomed, not just from everyone in the paddock, but everyone around the world considering the awful situation he found himself in,”; Herbert said.
Schumacher joined all 20 living world champions – from the eldest in Stewart to the most recent winner – in giving his signature.
It is now set to be sold off at auction to help raise funds forSir Jackie Stewart’s Race Against charity.
Stewart was even seen completing a lap of the race track with the helmet on at the start of April.
The sweet act came before the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Michael’s signature marks thestricken F1 legend’s only public act since hisdevastating ski accidentin the French Alps.
Schumacher now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in , where he is
Only a handful of trusted people are aware of his current health status, including e,and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.
The helmet is the latest in a number of positive signs surrounding Schumacher’s health.
He recently after his daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl named Millie.
The legendary Formula One driver is believed to have flown from his family’s villa in Majorca to their Swiss mansion in a chopper to before the birth.
Gina revealed she was pregnant shortly after
There was speculation at the time that her, but it is unclear if he ever made the ceremony.
