Schumacher: Vettel helping me like Michael helped him

Mick Schumacher says Sebastian Vettel is a guiding light as he looks to forge a career in Formula 1, much like his father was to the four-time world champion in his younger days.

Vettel debuted in F1 in 2007, the season after Michael Schumacher's first retirement, but the veteran would return to the grid in 2010 with Mercedes, as Vettel began to dominate F1 with Red Bull.

Schumacher Snr and Vettel also competed together numerous times at the Race of Champions, something Vettel and the younger Schumacher did for the first time earlier this year.

Having climbed to Formula 2, many are now waiting for Mick to step up to F1, something Vettel may well have a hand in.

"I've got a great deal of respect for him," Mick told Motorsport-Magazin. "We talk a lot about motorsport.

"I try to get tips from him and put them into practice. He's been in the sport quite a few more years than me, so every conversation we have helps.

"I think what my dad was to Sebastian, he is for me, someone that I'm close to, with whom I can talk about motorsport."

Schumacher Jnr and Vettel are also now colleagues after Mick's decision to join the Ferrari Driver Academy at the start of the year, a decision he says was helped by a strong affinity with Italy – something no doubt influenced by his father's success with the Scuderia.

"I feel drawn to Ferrari," Schuamcher said. "I grew up with them and have always driven for Italian teams with the exception of one season.

"I'm back now with Italians once again at Prema. The passion they have for motorsport is just terrific.

"You appreciate that all the more at Ferrari. Walking around Maranello or Fiorano feels really special. It's just one big happy family. You feel good when you're there, part of the Ferrari family."

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