Michael Schumacher of Germany and Mercedes GP reacts in parc ferme after finishing his last F1 race following the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. (Photo : Getty Images/Clive Mason)
The "KeepFightingMichael" hashtag is no longer in the livery of the 2017 silver Formula 1 car of the Mercedes F1 team. The team has explained its decision to remove the supportive message for former team driver Michael Schumacher, 48.
A Mercedes F1 team spokesman told the German newspaper Bild, as cited by Auto Week, that the "KeepFightingMichael" hashtag was removed to "free the way for future usage of the message." Apparently, the removal does not necessarily mean giving up on the German retired racing driver.
"Now, 'Keep Fighting' is an initiative founded at the end of 2016 to encourage people based on Michael's legendary fighting spirit," the spokesman said. "Mercedes and the family of Michael Schumacher will work together on a variety of common activities, which will be communicated in time."
Schumacher was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year twice and was Formula One World Champion for seven times. This is why many regard him as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time.
In 2006, Schumacher retired from Formula 1 driving and stayed with Ferrari as an advisor. That year, he came close to an eighth title but he fell short to Fernando Alonso due to technical problems in the final two races.
In December 2013, Schumacher had a skiing accident in the French Alps. He suffered a serious head injury that paralyzed him.
Schumacher's racing career was at its peak in the 2000s. One of the people who are instrumental in the F1 champion's career was Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the Ferrari president from 2004 to 2014.
"As I know his strength, I dream that he will soon be among us again," di Montezemolo told Corriere Dello Sport, as cited by Express. He said over the 11 years Schumacher was with the Ferrari team, they were very connected.
Here is a video featuring Schumacher driving the SLS AMG GT3:
