Doctors have reportedly abandoned their attempts to bring Michael Schumacher out of a coma.
German news magazine Focus claims the waking-up process for the 45-year-old was put on hold last week due to unspecified "complications".
Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has been comatose since he banged his head on a rock while skiing on 29 December.
Schumacher has been in a coma since 29 December
Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's official spokesperson, said on 30 January: "Michael’s sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking-up process which may take long time."
"For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated."
Schumacher has spent the last eight weeks in the University of Grenoble hospital fighting for his life.
Earlier this month, it was denied he had contracted a lung infection