Michael Schumacher condition update: racer hopes 'encouraging signs are continuing still'

Mika Häkkinen, the rival and friend of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher, expressed his continued support and hope for Schumacher's recovery.

In recalling his most memorable race, Mika Häkkinen wrote a blog post in the McLaren Honda website that it was the Belgian Grand Prix race in 2000. He wrote about how Schumacher was a competitive rival in the racing pit. Häkkinen stated in the post that he enjoyed his Formula 1 racing career, and one of the things he enjoyed most was his rivalry with Schumacher.

"I massively enjoyed my Formula 1 career, and one of its highlights was my ongoing rivalry with Michael," Häkkinen wrote. "I respected him, and I think he respected me. We raced each other hard, but for the most part we also raced each other fairly. He was a terrifically combative competitor, but you could say that about all the great champions. You do not win seven world championships by being soft-hearted, and Michael was never that; but he was a superb driver, one of the best in the history of the sport in fact."

Christian Today reports that Häkkinen also "hopes and prays" that any encouraging signs coming from Schumacher's health are still continuing. The racer also sent his support to Schumacher's family, friends and fans to keep strong.

"No, he will never race again; no, he may never walk again; he may never talk again, for all I know," Häkkinen said as reported by the outlet.

"I hope and pray that those encouraging signs are continuing still.  But, on the other hand, he may. Miracles sometimes occur, and I for one dearly hope that a miracle occurs for Michael some time soon. Keep fighting, my old friend."

According to Express, this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps marks the German driver's 24th anniversarial F1 debut. The outlet reports that many fans and supporters have been going on to social media websites to share photos and videos of when Schumacher debuted in the race track in 1991.

Even when it was Ayrton Senna who won first place during that time, German journalists were talking about Schumacher as he was dubbed to be "the best talent since Stefan Bellof."

Earlier this month, Schumacher and his wife, Corinna, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. According to Inquisitr, no updates on the F1 champion's health have been released as he is still recovering from a terrible skiing accident last December 2013.