The latest news on the health of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is not good, says his former Ferrari boss.

"I have news and unfortunately it is not good," Luca di Montezemolo told reporters.

"Life is strange. He was a fantastic driver and only had one accident with Ferrari in 1999."

Di Montezemolo did not give any more details on Schumacher's condition, but defended the German over rumours he was to blame for his December 2013 accident.

"It's not true that Michael wasn't careful on his skis. When he went off piste, he was always careful," said the former Ferrari chairman.

"More than anything, on skis he was very careful."