Motorsport: Family of former Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher issues rare statement

Michael Schumacher in 2012. Photo / Getty Images

Michael Schumacher's family have announced their support for a new charity initiative inspired by the recovering Formula 1 champion.

The family of the seven-time F1 world champion has recently refused to issue public comment on the 49-year-old's health, but have now issued just their second public statement of the past six months.

A statement from Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm was released around the world today, announcing the family's involvement and approval of a specially released charity poster celebrating the German racer's legendary career.

The poster has been released through charity organisation Keep Fighting in connection with online store Zoom to raise funds for the Never Give Up charity registered in Germany.

Kehm has repeatedly refused to provide updates on Schumacher's health, leading to confusion surrounding his current whereabouts, believed to be in Lake Geneva, Switzerland.

Earlier this year the family spokeswoman denied reports the family was moving Schumacher to the Spanish island of Mallorca after the driver's wife Corinna purchased a property in the village of Andratx.

"The Schumacher family does not plan to move to Mallorca," Kehm said.

Kehm said the poster has been released to celebrate her client's iconic career — and does not reflect any change in his ongoing recovery from a head injury.

The Keep Fighting Foundation claims it is trying to embody Schumacher's fighting spirit through its global charity projects, which includes research into new road safety awareness initiatives.

Schumacher was in 2013 placed in an induced coma after taking a blow to the head while skiing.

Kehm said the family is proud to release the poster, produced by design agency Crooked Cartoon.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Zoom to raise money for the Keep Fighting Foundation," Kehm said.

"This is a stunning way to celebrate Michael's iconic career and by the way a very beautiful poster."

Family spokesperson Sabine Kehm, left, and Corinna Schumacher late in 2015. Photo / Getty Images

Crooked Cartoon claims the poster depicts Schumacher on his way to victory in the 2000 world championship, his first title with Ferrari and third title overall. The image is inspired by the Art Deco posters of Formula 1's golden era."

The poster, which is A2 in size and has a silk finish, retails for $36.