'If Ferrari asked him whether he would consider driving, he would have it checked - and remember he is a 40-year-old man, too.'

Masa is in a 'severe but not critical' condition, according to the hospital that is treating him in Budapest and there is also concern about damage to his left eye.

That means Ferrari need to find a team-mate for Kimi Raikkonen for the Valencia race.

Schumacher, who won a record 91 grand prix in his career, is under contract to the team after taking on a consultancy role following his retirement. He has not driven an F1 car since April 2008

The German is close to Massa, who was his team-mate in his final season, and has taken a close interest in the Brazilian's career.