Michael Schumacher's manager has denied claims that the seven-time Formula 1 champion is starting to walk again.

The German has been battling to recover from a severe head injury sustained in a skiing accident in December 2013.

While updates on the extent of his recovery have been rare, German magazine Bunte has made the claim that Schumacher is starting to take his first steps.

However, the Ferrari star's manager Sabine Kehm hit out at the claims and described them as irresponsible.

"Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael. Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people," she said.