Michael Schumacher's family have issued a statement to fans ahead of his 50th birthday which takes place on Thursday.

Last month marked the fifth anniversary since the German legend's skiing accident in Switzerland which left him with severe head injuries.

Since then, news of his condition has been kept a closely guarded secret but ahead of a new exhibition titled 'Michael 50' which opens this week, the family had a message for everyone.

"We want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records and his jubilation," the statement read.

"You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him.

"Please understand if we are following Michael's wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy.

"At the same time, we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019."

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While there is some frustration from fans at the lack of information, those that remain close to Schumacher agree with the decision including Formula 1's current motorsport director Ross Brawn.

"I am constantly in touch with [Schumacher's wife] Corinna and I totally agree with their decision," said the former Ferrari technical chief.

"Michael has always been a very private person and that's been a guiding principle in his career, his life. His family always agreed with that choice."

In a positive step, FIA president Jean Todt also recently revealed he watched last year's Brazilian Grand Prix with Schumacher in his home.