Berlin, Dec 31 (IANS): German Chancellor Angela Merkel was "extremely dismayed" as she heard about the skiing accident of German racing legend Michael Schumacher, her spokesperson said Monday.

"Like millions of Germans, the chancellor and government members were extremely dismayed when they heard about Michael Schumacher's serious skiing accident," reported Xinhua citing spokesperson Steffen Seibert. "We hope that he can overcome the injuries and recover."

The seven-time Formula One world champion, who had fallen and hit his head on a rock Sunday while skiing in the French Alps, was still in a medically induced coma and remained in a critical condition following an immediate brain surgery, the French hospital where Schumacher is being treated said Monday morning.

Schumacher suffered from a severe head trauma and his brain was also injured in the accident, Grenoble University Hospital Center briefed at a press conference.

Doctors treating Schumacher refused to predict an outcome, saying it was too early to make any predictions about his future.

Formula One drivers, friends and fans around the world expressed concerns over Schumacher's situation and wished him a quick recovery via social networks.