Michael Schumacher fresh health hope after most 'emotional' moment in years

Formula One pundit Johnny Herbert hopes that recently signing Sir Jackie Stewart's racing helmet is a positive sign in his recovery. Schumacher won a record seven titles during his career, a total only matched by .

legend Schumacher remains a household name more than a decade after his retirement. Upon leaving the sport, the German left an impressive legacy, including clinching the most Grand Prix victories.

Tragedy struck in 2013 when Schumacher sustained severe injuries in a skiing accident. Information on Schumacher's condition has since been sparse, with his wife Corinna working to keep her husband's privacy. Nonetheless, Schumacher made headlines after contributing to signed helmet, which was .

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Stewart, 85, showcased one of his championship-conquering cars on the Bahrain circuit earlier this month, sporting a helmet . It emerged that, with Corinna's support, Schumacher managed to write his initials on the helmet – aiming to generate funds for Stewart's charity, Racing Against Dementia – at auction.

Schumacher signing the helmet gave his former Benetton team-mate reason to be optimistic about the F1 legend's recovery. "It's wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart's helmet," Herbert told . "It was a wonderful moment.

"We haven't seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully it's a sign. Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It's been a long, horrible journey for the family and maybe we'll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon."

The 56-year-old icon has remained out of the public eye since his life-altering accident in 2013. Yet Herbert remains hopeful that Schumacher might one day grace a race day again, creating a heartwarming moment that would resonate far beyond the racetrack.

"Michael Schumacher making an appearance at an F1 race weekend would be one of those special moments from one of the greatest drivers we have ever seen," Herbert admitted. "It would be so welcomed, not just from everyone in the paddock, but everyone around the world.

"Considering the awful situation he found himself in, and to battle back against it, it would be amazing. I hope we continue to hear this positive news more often."

Stewart highlighted how Schumacher lent his initials to the racing gear. Three-time world champion Stewart, who launched his Racing Against Dementia charity in 2014 following his wife's dementia diagnosis, spoke about the significance of Schumacher's contribution.

"It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause – a disease for which there is no cure," Stewart told the . "His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us."

Earlier this year, reports emerged that Schumacher had returned to his Swiss residence for the arrival of his first grandchild. The Formula One legend became a proud grandfather following the birth of his daughter Gina's child with her spouse, Iain Bethke.

German publication stated that Schumacher had travelled by helicopter from his estate in Majorca to Switzerland before the baby was born. Gina took to to announce the joyous news, posting: "Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives."