Michael Schumacher would be proud of Mick - Vettel

Sebastian Vettel hailed Mick Schumacher after teaming with the teenager for the first time at the Race of Champions Nations Cup, adding that the youngster's legendary father Michael Schumacher would be proud of his performance as Team Germany took a podium spot in Saturday's action.

Vettel and Schumacher Jnr were at the wheel just a few hours on from the latter being confirmed as the latest prodigy to be signed to Ferrari's Driver Academy.

The European Formula 3 champion is expected to fulfil testing duties at the in-season events for the Scuderia and he did enough to impress Vettel, a six-time winner of the ROC event with Schumacher Snr.

"Most of all it's obviously very special to have teamed up with Mick today," Vettel said.

"I remember my first Race Of Champions appearance and looking up to Michael.

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Made it to the finals in the #ROCMexico Nations Cup with Sebastian, lost to Team Nordic with Tom Kristensen and Johan Kristoffersson, still very happy. #TeamGermany #SCM #KeepFighting

A post shared by Mick Schumacher (@mickschumacher) on Jan 19, 2019 at 7:06pm PST

"We all know it would be more special to have Michael here to witness Mick's performance today, but I'm sure he would be proud of his son."

There was to be no repeat of Vettel's prior success with Schumacher Snr as Team Germany lost out in the final to Team Nordic, comprised of Le Mans 24 Hours legend Tom Kristensen and World RallyX champion Johan Kristoffersson.

"Mick and I can be proud of what we did today," Vettel said. "It would have been great to go home with the trophy but it's never easy to get all the way through the Race Of Champions, and we did well.

"There's no shame in losing against Tom and Johan, who are world class drivers and they were just a bit too quick today. In the final I had a good feeling in the rallycross car, but Tom was a bit quicker.

"It's fun to be here in Mexico, we're all from the same motorsport family and we don't get to spend much time together so this is a nice way to do it. As for tomorrow, anything can happen. With the format we have at the Race Of Champions, it's so competitive you have to get everything right."

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