Former McLaren Formula 1 driver Jochen Mass has suffered a medical emergency, his family has confirmed.
The 79-year-old racing legend is currently in stable condition.
Mass will be stepping back from all public appearances and engagements for the foreseeable future.
His family shared the news via his social media accounts, explaining that he needs to focus on his recovery.
F1 legend Jochen Mass previously mentored Michael Schumacher during the racer's early days in the sport
GETTY
No specific details regarding the nature of the medical emergency have been disclosed.
The German driver, who enjoyed a successful motorsport career spanning several decades, is receiving treatment while his condition remains stable.
A statement from Mass' family posted on his social media pages read: "The family of Jochen Mass, wishes to share that he is currently recovering from a recent medical emergency.
"While Jochen's condition is stable, he will be stepping back from all public appearances and engagements for the foreseeable future as he focuses on his recovery.
"We as a family are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and kindly request privacy during this time.
"We are wishing Jochen a speedy recovery."
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F1 legend Jochen Mass is recovering after suffering a 'medical emergency'
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The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow motorsport figures.
Mass competed in Formula One from 1973 to 1982, establishing himself as a notable figure in the sport's history.
His career highlight came in 1975 when he claimed victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The German driver spent much of his F1 career with the McLaren team.
Beyond his own racing achievements, Mass played a significant role in developing future talent.
He notably served as a mentor to Michael Schumacher, who would go on to become one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers of all time.
Schumacher's legendary career was shaped in part by the guidance he received from the experienced Mass.
The former McLaren star revealed in 2020 that he'd talked Schumacher into joining Ferrari.
“I thought the car, with all the help it had, the electronics and so on, it was fantastic to drive, easy to drive," he said. "I said ‘With only that car can you become World Champion.’
“Seriously, the car was so nice it was ridiculous. It was ridiculous from the effort, or let’s say the non-existing effort to drive it, it was just fast, wonderful, it felt good, everything was perfect.
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“Michael called me up later and he said ‘I’m going to drive for Williams next year’, I said ‘Fantastic Michael, really good’. You know, because I really liked Frank a lot and really wanted him to have the best driver.
“But, for Michael, I said listen ‘Whatever you win now, it’s the car, it’s not you, the car is too good. You need Ferrari, get it out of the trough it is in, pull it out and make them champions again, you would be King of Italy’.
“He said ‘I don’t know, I don’t know’ and a month later he called me up said ‘I’m going to Ferrari’. I said ‘Well done.’
“Of course, I felt sorry in a way for Frank, but these championships, if you have a very superior car, of course, have less weight than if you make Ferrari World Champions again.”
F1 legend Jochen Mass pictured during his time with McLaren
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Mass also had a distinguished career in endurance racing, competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans twelve times between 1972 and 1995.
His greatest achievement at the iconic French circuit came in 1989 when he claimed victory alongside teammates Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens.
Among those sending well wishes to Mass was former cycling star Chris Hoy.
Hoy, who is currently battling terminal prostate cancer, responded to the family's statement with a simple message: 'Get well soon Jochen'.
