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.
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…
As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…