It is three years since Michael Schumacher's life-changing skiing accident, but his legacy remains undimmed.The Formula One legend has been credited with helping to lay the foundations for Mercedes' three years of dominance which culminated in two world titles for Lewis Hamilton in 2014 and 2015 and a first for Schumacher's compatriot Nico Rosberg in 2016.Former Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn says Schumacher had an important influence on the team, which has also won three consecutive constructor crowns.The German made a shock decision to come out of retirement to drive for the team in 2010, staying for three seasons before retiring again and being replaced by Hamilton."Michael, for sure, contributed to the organization and structure that has gone on to achieve success at Mercedes," Brawn, who engineered Schumacher's seven world titles with Benetton and Ferrari as the teams' technical director, told CNN."He helped create the success we had at Ferrari and he continued that approach at Mercedes."According to Brawn, one of Schumacher's strengths was that he put in time at the factory working with the backroom team preparing to race."With his knowledge and maturity, sitting with a group of aerodynamicists or vehicle dynamists or tire people and explaining what was needed was invaluable. He was instrumental in creating the systems that contribute to the success that Mercedes has today," Brawn said.Schumacher's medical status still remains unclear, having suffered serious head injuriesin a freak skiing accident on December 29, 2013.The 47-year-old continues to receive specialist treatment at his home in Switzerland.
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