Michael Schumacher is out of a coma and has left the Grenoble hospital, his family has confirmed.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion was put in a medically induced coma after suffering severe head injuries in a skiing accident on December 29 last year.

“Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore,” read a statement made on behalf of the Schumacher family.

“His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months.

“The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him.

“For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye.”

The news follows a long period of silence from the 45-year-old German’s management on his recovery process.

The family has offered no comment on where Schumacher has been transferred to and is not expected to offer regular updates on his ongoing rehabilitation.