After hitting head in ski accident, ex-F1 champion Schumacher in critical condition

Medical staff of the Grenoble hospital, in the French Alps, wait at the entrance of the emergency department where former seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is be treated after he sustained a head injury during a ski accident in Meribel, France Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013. The French Mountain Gendarmerie said Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he had a hard fall at Meribel and that he sustained a "relatively serious" head injury. He was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in the city of Grenoble. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) (The Associated Press)

An helicopter is seen in front of the Grenoble hospital, in the French Alps, where former seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is treated after he sustained a head injury during a ski accident in Meribel France, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013. The French Mountain Gendarmerie said Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he had a hard fall at Meribel and that he sustained a "relatively serious" head injury. He was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in the city of Grenoble. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani) (The Associated Press)

Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel is wishing the best to his boyhood hero, fellow champion Michael Schumacher, who sustained a head injury in a ski accident.

Schumacher is in a French hospital Monday after hitting his head on a rock while skiing in the Alps this weekend. He fell into a coma and underwent brain surgery. The hospital said late Sunday he was in critical condition. Doctors will give an update on his condition later in the day.

Vettel, who was once referred to as "Baby Schumi," was quoted by German news agency dpa as saying: "I am shocked and hope that he will get better as soon as possible."

Schumacher, now retired, was F1's most successful driver. Several other drivers have been reaching out to offer support.