Michael Schumacher's friend says there is "hope" for F1 champion's recovery

Michael Schumacher's close friend Ross Brawn has says there is "hope" the Formula One champion will recover following a ski accident in France.

Ross Brawn, a team principal who worked with the 46-year-old, said he visits the Schumachers at their home in Switzerland and "prays everyday" for his friend's recovery.

See also: Michael and Corinna Schumacher's intimate holiday photos released

Speaking to the Daily Mirror's Allan Hall and Alex Wellman, the 60-year-old said: "I do keep in touch [with Schumacher's family], but we try and keep a balance of going to see him against calling, and not being a pain.

"I've been to see him a few times; Corinna, his wife, calls me occasionally and keeps me updated."

See also: Michael Schumacher is 'crying at the sound of his children'

He added: "We just keep praying every day that he'll recover to a stage where... it's slow, but there's always hope."

In May, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm told German newspaper BILD: "We are pleased to continue to say that he is making progress, and I say that always, given the severity of his head injuries."

Michael suffered serious head injuries after he hit rocks while skiing in Meribel on 29 December 2013.

He spent months in hospital in a coma, before being moved to a Swiss clinic. Then, in September 2014, he was moved to his £35 million lakeside mansion in Gland, Switzerland.