Mercedes has explained the removal from the livery of this year's W08 of the notable 'KeepFightingMichael' hashtag.
The German manufacturer has paid tribute to its former driver ever since Schumacher's tragic ski accident in 2013 which left the F1 legend with brain injuries.
When the team unveiled its 2017 Silver Arrows, dismayed fans noticed the absence of the supportive message on the W08's bodywork.
"It was removed to free the way for future usage of the message," a team spokesperson told Germany's Bild.
"Now, 'Keep Fighting' is an initiative founded at the end of 2016 to encourage people based on Michael's legendary fighting spirit.
"Mercedes and the family of Michael Schumacher will work together on a variety of common activities which will be communicated in time," the spokesperson added.
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