In a letter to fans, Michael Schumacher's wife Corinna thanked everyone for their support during the dark days following the Formula One legend’s tragic skiing accident last December and the subsequent months that he lay in a coma. The letter was published in the official program for this weekend’s 2014 Formula One German Grand Prix on behalf of Schumacher's family.

"The German Grand Prix gives me the perfect opportunity to cordially thank you all for the good wishes and positive energies you keep sending to Michael," read a translation of the original letter, which was in German.

"I have to say your sympathies blew us all away. Good to know that together we made it through the hardest time.

"Now we are facing a phase which will presumably take a long time. We trust that—as for so many years in F1—time will be Michael's ally in the fight."

Schumacher was treated at Grenoble University Hospital Center in France following his skiing accident, which left him with severe head injuries. Upon waking from an induced coma last month, the 45-year-old was transported to Lausanne university hospital near his home in Switzerland.

Schumacher competed in F1 from 1991 through 2006 and then again from 2010 through 2012. During this time he achieved seven world championships, making him the sport’s most successful driver.