Vettel: Schumacher an inspiration

Sebastian Vettel has spoken of his relationship with mentor and friend, Michael Schumacher, who continues to battle back to full health after a skiing accident which left him with severe brain injuries. Vettel says that he "misses" the inspirational F1 legend.

The Formula One world was rocked in December of 2013 when Schumacher was left fighting for his life after the skiing accident which resulted in him being put in a medically-induced coma.

He has since moved to his home where he continues to receive treatment, and Vettel admits that he misses having his mentor around.

“I really miss Michael a lot,” Vettel said.

“Not only because of his tremendous experience, on and off the track but also because he was more brilliant and sympathetic than people can imagine.

“He had so much talent and driving instinct, but he always thought carefully about what he did. Every time I could talk to him, he was very helpful.

“His advice was very dear to me, especially in the last three and a half years of his career."

It is Vettel's intention to emulate the career of Schumacher by becoming world champion with Ferrari, but admits that most of the records held by his compatriot are out of reach, like the seven world titles he holds.

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“Michael Schumacher was an enormous source of inspiration for me, but all his records are out of reach for me," he continued.

“Something I want to do like him is to become world champion with Ferrari.

“At the same time, I also know that I have already won four world titles and that I’m really lucky.”

In recent years the Schumacher family has been protective of the privacy of Michael with regards to his health, with updates on his condition few and far between.