Former steward and F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes that 's signing of Jackie Stewart's helmet might have been a 'sign' that his condition is improving. He also outlined his dream of seeing the seven-time world champion in the paddock at a Grand Prix in the future. Schumacher has been absent from the public eye since suffering a near-fatal skiing crash while on holiday in the French Alps in 2013.

He has received around-the-clock medical care at the family home in Geneva, and his condition has been rigorously guarded from fans and the media. While his wife, Corinna, and son Mick have both been regulars in the F1 paddock, Schumacher has not been spotted in public since his accident. However, , with the help of Corinna, for Jackie Stewart, who is raising money for his Race Against Dementia charity.

Speaking to the about the signature, Stewart said: "It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause - a disease for which there is no cure. His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us."

Herbert, who was Schumacher's Benetton team-mate during the 1994 and 1995 seasons, offered his thoughts on the helmet signing in an interview with . "It's wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart's helmet," he said.

"It was a wonderful moment. 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."

The 60-year-old continued: "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.

"It would be so welcomed, not just from everyone in the paddock, but everyone around the world. 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."

In the meantime, the Schumacher racing legacy is being upheld through . The 25-year-old scored his second career podium in a chaotic race in Imola, climbing onto the rostrum with Alpine team-mates Jules Gounon and Frederic Makowiecki.