Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, considered as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all-time, has suffered an injury while skiing in Meribel, France on Sunday and had to be taken by a helicopter to a hospital in Moutiers but appears to be safe after the accident.

The 44-year-old German who retired from Formula 1 racing for the second time at the end of the 2012 season was shaken but conscious, according to reports.

BBC.com quoted Christophe Gernignon-Lecomte, director of the Meribel resort, as saying to Radio Monte Carlo Sport: "He was shocked, a little shaken but conscious. It may be a head injury but it is not very serious." The same official said that Schumacher was wearing a helmet when he banged his head against a rock.

Thescore.ie, meanwhile, reports that the F1 legend fell at 11:07, off-piste at Meribel and relief responded quickly around eight minutes later.

Schumacher won seven world championships and secured 91 race victories during a 19-year career in Formula 1.

He won two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before switching to Ferrari in 1996 and going on to win five straight titles from 2000.

The German retired from the sport in 2006, but returned in 2010 with Mercedes. After three seasons which yielded just one podium, he quit the sport at the end of 2012.

He recorded 91 race wins in 19 seasons, scoring 1,560 points and finishing with 220 points. He has 155 podium finishes. He holds many of Formula One's driver records, including most championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions and most races won in a single season - 13 in 2004.