Berlin, Jan 3 (IANS): Mercedes on Thursday paid tribute to former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher on his 50th birthday, honouring his legendary records and the exceptional contribution he has made during his racing career.

Schumacher, who gained seven FIA Formula One Drivers' World Championships and 91 race victories, suffered a skiing accident on December 29, 2013, which resulted in a brain injury that has caused him to be bedridden and unable to speak for the past five years, reports Efe.

"Michael has had a tremendous impact on Formula One. Not only did he set an incredible record - a record that is yet to be beaten - but he also shaped and changed the sport forever," Mercedes team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff, said.

"Michael is one of the founding fathers of the success we have had in the last five years. There is no other driver like him and his vast experience contributed tremendously in the development of our team," he emphasized.

In recent seasons, Mercedes has been dominating F1 by leading the 2018 Constructor Standings, as well as its Briton driver Lewis Hamilton, who maintained the 2018 Driver Standings top spot.

"He (Schumacher) did everything with great determination, from his engineering debriefs to his physical training, and was always searching for new ways to improve his on-track performance," Wolff added.

On Wednesday, Schumacher's family announced the launching of a virtual museum for the German great as a 50th birthday gift.