Michael Schumacher, the former Formula One champion who was severely injured in a skiing accident in December, continues to make slow progress.

Sabine Kehm, Schumacher’s manager, told German TV station RTL that the driver is “making progress considering the severity of his injury” and “you have to give it time. I think you really just have to have patience.”

The seven-time Formula One champion, who lives in Gland, Switzerland, suffered severe brain damage, which left him in a coma for six months

Kehm said it was ‘not possible’ to say how long it would take for the 45-year-old to fully recover and expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that has been offered to the beloved racer and his family.

Michael Schumacher continues to make progress as he recovers at home from a skiing accident http://t.co/9sucaJEI6X pic.twitter.com/1bbIpI0gbW

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 23, 2014

“The family is really very thankful and also very moved by it… I can only say again that the family is very happy and touched by the sympathetic messages. I think that positive energy can have a good effect,” said Kehm.

Manager: Michael Schumacher 'making progress' but faces long recovery » http://t.co/TXCgSewUob pic.twitter.com/zpVbeqaWwM

— SPEED (@SPEED) November 23, 2014

According to the Daily Mail, a French doctor treating Schumacher said he was making progress, but will need years to fully recover.

The newspaper also reports Schumacher is paralyzed and in a wheelchair. In addition, he is unable to speak and has memory issues, according to former racing driver Philippe Streiff.