Michael Schumacher's family will receive the highest award in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia this year.
The former Formula 1 driver will receive the 'Staatspreis'. It is awarded to people who have made extraordinary achievements.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion, who has not appeared in public since a serious skiing accident in 2013, will be honoured with this prize for repeatedly winning world titles in the pinnacle of motorsport but also for his commitment to charity, according to local Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst.
"His work as a sportsman and as a champion of good causes radiates far beyond the borders of North Rhine-Westphalia. To this day, Michael is one of the most outstanding personalities in the history of sport", is how they describe the German.
Wife and children to accept the prize
Jean Todt, who brought Schumacher to Ferrari in 1996 and has won five drivers' titles and six constructors' titles with him, will deliver a few words of tribute at the special moment in Cologne on 20 July. Schumacher's wife Corinna and their two children, F1 driver Mick Schumacher and daughter Gina, will receive the award on his behalf.