Former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert has expressed hope that Michael Schumacher's signing of Sir Jackie Stewart's racing helmet signals positive developments in the seven-time world champion's recovery.
Schumacher, who has not made a public appearance since suffering severe injuries in a skiing accident in 2013, contributed his signature to Stewart's helmet before the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this month.
The signed helmet is set to be auctioned to support Stewart's Racing Against Dementia charity.
Herbert, once Schumacher's team-mate at Benetton, described the signing as "wonderful news" and "a wonderful moment" that could indicate progress in Schumacher's condition.
Former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert has expressed hope that Michael Schumacher's signing of Sir Jackie Stewart's racing helmet signals positive developments in the seven-time world champion's recovery
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Speaking to FastSlots, he said: "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," he said.
The former F1 driver added that Schumacher's potential appearance at a race would be deeply meaningful.
"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 confessed.
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Michael Schumacher and Johnny Herbert were previously team-mates during their F1 careers
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"It would be so welcomed, not just from everyone in the paddock, but everyone around the world."
Stewart, aged 85, showcased one of his championship-winning cars in Bahrain, wearing a helmet autographed by every living F1 champion.
The three-time world champion established his Racing Against Dementia charity in 2014 after his wife was diagnosed with the disease.
Stewart revealed that Schumacher, with assistance from his wife Corinna, added his signature to complete the collection.
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"It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause a disease for which there is no cure," Stewart told the Daily Mail.
"His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us."
Schumacher, a household name in Formula One, clinched seven world titles before retiring in 2012, a record he now shares with Lewis Hamilton.
At the time of his retirement, he held numerous records and accolades, including the most wins in F1 history.
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Since his skiing accident in 2013, updates on Schumacher's health have been scarce, with his wife Corinna working diligently to protect his privacy.
Earlier this year, reports suggested that Schumacher returned to his Swiss home for the birth of his first grandchild.
German publication Bild reported that he had travelled from his estate in Majorca to Switzerland just before his daughter Gina gave birth to a baby girl named Millie in March.
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his skiing crash in 2013PAHerbert remains hopeful that the F1 legend's contribution to Stewart's charity initiative signals improvement in his condition.
"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," Herbert said.
The signed helmet will be auctioned to raise funds for Racing Against Dementia, which Stewart founded after his wife of over 60 years was diagnosed with the disease.
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