Former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher is no longer in a coma and has left hospital after a ski accident last December.

The sportsman (45) has been in an induced coma since suffering a serious head injury at the French alpine resort of Meribel.

"Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore," his management company said in a statement.

"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."

Schumacher was reportedly travelling at speeds of over 95kms an hour when the accident happened, and is thought to have been saved by his skiing helmet, which split on impact.

However, the racing legend's chief doctor said in March that it was unlikely he would ever fully recover from the accident.

Doctor Gary Hartstein wrote on his blog: "As time goes on, it becomes less and less likely that Michael will emerge to any significant extent."