A welcomed piece of news for Formula 1 fans, and followers of sport in general, is that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher is reportedly 'conscious' following stem cell treatment in Paris. 

Six years ago, the former Ferrari driver experienced a horrific accident whilst he was skiing with his, then, 14-year-old son. Following a head-collision with a piece of rock, Schumacher was left in a coma. 

A nurse from the Georges-Pompidou hospital told Le Parisien: "Yes, he is in my service and I can assure you that he is conscious."

The nurse continued to tell reporters that this is the second time that Schumacher has attended this hospital to receive stem cell treatment.

Furthermore, she revealed that he is currently in the more than capable hands of stem cell expert Professor Philippe Menasche. 

Through the choice of their family, they've previously kept information about his treatment and progress under wraps due to their beliefs of privacy. However, Schumacher's family released a statement on his 50th birthday to commemorate his achievements in motor-racing. 

"We want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records and his jubilation.

"You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him."

For even people who do not follow the sport, Michael Schumacher is certainly a name which becomes almost synonymous with Formula 1. To this day, the German driver holds the record for the most Championship victories as well as the most race wins, with 91. 

In what was an incredible career for Schumacher, the world-record driver finally reached his career chequered flag in 2012 - racing for the likes of Benetton, Mercedes and, most notoriously, Ferrari. 

In the eyes of Formula 1 fans, there is a genuine hope that his treatment could spark a new chapter in Schumacher's life after spending the previous years in care.