The seven-time Formula One champion has one more precarious lap to make before he reaches his 45th birthday on January 3rd.

Michael Schumacher’s head struck a rock during a back-country skiing fall in the French Alps with his 14-year-old son Sunday, and medical officials have stated today that he is in intensive care in critical condition.

The situation escalated quickly Sunday afternoon; the director of the Meribel resort where Schumacher was visiting initially told reporters that the injury was “serious” but not life-threatening, only for the report to be contrasted by the statement that Schumacher was suffering from “severe cranial trauma” from the mountain police who administered first aid to him.

He was then airlifted to a local hospital, but soon taken to another hospital where renowned neurosurgeon Gerard Sailant was rushed in to perform emergency surgery.

The operation is complete, and Schumacher is now in a coma. If he fell into a coma or was put into an artificial coma for the surgery is a bit unclear; the press has received slightly conflicting information from those involved in the frantic hours between the accident and his surgery.

As of now, Michael Schumacher is recovering from surgery in an artificial coma in intensive care. We now await the next update.

Schumacher’s 14-year-old son was not involved in the accident, and Schumacher’s helmet served as a great protectant in the fall.

Michael Schumacher a born champion, a fighter. Friends and foes are united in hoping for speedy recovery. Our thoughts with his family.

— Daniaile Jarry (@daniaile) December 30, 2013

Michael Schumacher you have won 91 races, you are a true champion and I pray that you make this your 92nd win! Quick recovery!

— Francis Shitawa (@Franc_shit) December 30, 2013

I really hope that Michael Schumacher recovers okay, he's such an inspirational man.

— ☢ RVW ☢ (@BenSickelmore) December 30, 2013

Image via Youtube