A camera that Michael Schumacher was wearing on his helmet when he was injured in a skiing accident has been handed to authorities, the seven-time Formula One champion’s manager said.

The racing driver, who suffered a severe head injury while skiing off-piste in the resort of Meribel in France last Sunday, remains in an artificially induced coma.

He is in a critical but stable condition and it is believed his life was saved by his skiing helmet, which split on impact.

Sabine Kehm said in a statement yesterday that investigators had been given the camera by relatives, dismissing speculation this was against their wishes.

“Michael’s condition remains critical but stable,” she said.

“We would like to clearly stress that any information regarding Michael’s health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as invalid and pure speculation. The family cares only for Michael’s health

“In addition, Michael’s helmet camera was voluntarily given to the investigating authorities by the family. That this should have been done against the wishes of the family is untrue.

“We ask you to respect the continued privacy of the family.”

Kehm added that there was not expected to be a press conference over the weekend. Members of Schumacher’s family arrived at the hospital on Friday to be by his side.

Schumacher was initially conscious after the accident, which happened on a family holiday, but deteriorated into a critical condition.

Neurosurgeons have operated twice to remove blood clots on his brain and reduce swelling.

Schumacher retired from F1 for the final time in 2012 after a three-season comeback with Mercedes.

The German, who also raced for Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari in his Formula One career, won the last of his world titles in 2004.

Schumacher turned 45 on Friday, with his family saying they were “overwhelmed” by the support of fans who gathered outside the Grenoble hospital to mark the occasion.