Melbourne: Felipe Massa will display a message of support for Michael Schumacher at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, the first Formula One race since a skiing accident left the German legend fighting for his life.
The Brazilian driver, a former team mate of Schumacher’s at Ferrari, has said he will drive with the initials “MS” emblazoned on his helmet for the season opener here.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher remains in a medically induced coma since hitting his head on a rock while skiing at the French resort of Meribel on December 29.
The 45-year-old is showing “small, encouraging signs” of recovery, his family said on Wednesday, while acknowledging that he faces a long battle ahead.
On Thursday Massa, who was a team mate of Schumacher’s during the German’s glory years at Ferrari in the early noughties, paid an emotional tribute to his friend on Twitter.
“Michael is always with me !! Be very strong Brother !! Love !! #19,” he tweeted, signing off with his car number.
“I always think about him every day. I’m praying for him every day,” Massa told an official media conference Thursday. (AFP)
