Support has been pouring in for Michael Schumacher after the retired seven-times Formula One world champion suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps resort of Meribel yesterday.
Doctors have said he is fighting for his life and their prognosis is uncertain.
"We can say that his condition is life-threatening," Jean-Francois Payen, head anaesthetician at the CHU hospital in the eastern French city of Grenoble told a news conference.
"For the moment we cannot say what Michael Schumacher's future is," he added.
Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes said an emergency brain scan carried out on Schumacher, 44, had revealed internal bleeding, and injuries including contusions and lesions. He said they had operated a first time to treat the internal bleeding.
He was operated on last night and is in induced coma.
Philippe Quincy, the Albertville public prosecutor, told Reuters an inquiry had been launched to identify the causes of the accident. Initial findings indicated the blow was so hard that Schumacher's helmet had shattered.
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A spokesman for German chancellor Angela Merkel told a briefing: "We hope that he overcomes his injuries and can recover."
World F1 champion Sebastian Vettel told German media: "I am shocked and I hope that he will get better as quickly as possible. I now wish his family a lot of strength."
Former Benetton team mate Martin Brundle told Sky TV: "He's only a year out of the F1 cockpit but as a driven and competitive person you can't simply switch off and settle down at the end of a long career, you need challenges and achievements to keep the adrenalin flowing. But from what I read he wasn't taking undue risks on the ski slopes, and it seems he's been very unlucky on this one. The need for machinery and speed will always be there, it's inevitable. When I read that Michael had received a blow to the right side of his head I couldn't help but think of Ayrton (Senna), and pondered why these things so often happen to the truly great. I sincerely hope and expect of course that this incident has a much happier ending, and I feel sure that his competitive determination and fitness will give him the best chance."
Schumacher's former team Ferrari: "Everyone at Ferrari has been in a state of anxiety since hearing about Michael Schumacher's accident."
Felipe Massa, 2008 F1 world champion, on Twitter: "I'm praying for God to protect you, brother!"
Former F1 driver David Coulthard told the BBC: "As I know Michael from the racetrack, there is no question in my mind that he has the physical ability to take on this challenge.the greatest challenge of his life."
Double F1 world champion Fernando Alonso on Twitter: "Get well soon Michael! Hope to hear some positive news very soon! #strongman"
Former Jordan and HRT driver Narain Karthikeyan on Twitter: "Terrible to hear about M Schumacher's skiing injury. If anyone can pull through this its you."
Quadruple Indy Car champion Dario Franchitti on Twitter: "My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher and his family. If anyone can pull through this it's him." Former Alpine skiing world champion Luc Alphand: "I'm stunned. Skiing, for me and a lot of people, is a leisure before anything else. He might have hit a rock with his feet and you don't need to go fast to hurt yourself."
Former F1 world champion Jenson Button: "My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time.. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this."