British Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have both sent letters of support to seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher as he continues his recovery from a skiing accident.
The German was placed in a medically-induced coma after sustaining a head injury while skiing in the Alps last December, while it was confirmed last month that he had woken up.
Hamilton, who replaced the 45-year-old at Mercedes following his retirement in 2012, wrote: "Dear Michael. You are always in my prayers. Prayers of hope that you pull through this difficult time. You have already achieved so much, given so much. May God watch over you and show you the way back to your family, fans and friends."
Meanwhile, the 2009 world champion said: "When I think of Michael Schumacher I think of two things. The first is of one my earliest memories of being in Formula One driving out of the pitlane in Melbourne and seeing Michael's red Ferrari ahead of me scattering the leaves as he drove beneath the trees at the approach to turn three. Even in 2000 he was already a legend.
"The second thing I think about it is that familiar red car snaking about in my mirrors. Michael was such a formidable racer relentlessly competitive, always there. He's fighting his greatest battle right now and I know everyone at Formula One will hope that he will win again. I certainly hope he will."
Latest reports suggest that Schumacher, who is continuing his recovery in a rehabilitation centre in Switzerland, has been able to communicate with his wife and children using eye movements.
