Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, who suffered serious head injuries in a skiing accident last December, is no longer in a coma and has left the hospital according to his manager.

The seven-time world champion’s manager did not say when he was released from University Hospital in France, but said he will now “continue his long phase of rehabilitation.”

“His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months,” read a statement. “The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him.”

Schumacher, 45, was placed in an induced coma after falling and hitting his head on a rock during a family ski trip last December. The German’s medical team began reducing his sedation at the end of January.

With seven drivers’ titles, 91 Grand Prix victories and 68 pole positions, Schumacher remains the most successful driver in Formula One history. He retired at the end of the 2012 season.