Vettel confirms never visiting Schumacher

Sebastian Vettel has confirmed that he has never visited Michael Schumacher in the years since the Formula 1 legend suffered traumatic brain injuries in a skiing accident. Vettel idolised and later befriended the seven-time world champion after making his F1 debut.

Vettel continued a tradition for German success laid down by Schumacher by winning four consecutive world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013.

He has since moved to Ferrari, where Schumacher won five of his seven drivers' crowns, and Vettel has often spoke of his desire to emulate his compatriot's success in Scuderia scarlet.

Schumacher has not been seen publicly since his accident in 2013 and he has been recovering at his home in Switzerland since emerging from a coma the following year.

He regularly receives visits – former Ferrari team boss and current FIA president Jean Todt is a known frequent visitor and recently recounted watching the Brazilian GP with his old colleague.

Vettel confirmed in an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick that he has not seen Schumacher since his accident, having earlier this year claimed he wished he could have sought advice from his countryman to aid his title battle with Lewis Hamilton.

When asked if he still longed to talk to Schumacher, Vettel replied: "Yes, that still applies.

"Michael has spent many years in Maranello and his spirit keeps hovering over the team.

"With Michael I would now speak the language of the driver and not the engineers. That's why talking with him would be extremely helpful, because with Michael I always had a great relationship anyway. Yes, I miss him."

Vettel regularly raced with Schumacher in the Race of Champions event, winning on six occasions for Germany, and he will team with his friend's son, European F3 champion Mick Schumacher at next year's event in Mexico.

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