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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 04: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 talks with Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 04, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 04: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 talks with Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 04, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 04: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 talks with Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 04, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 04: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 talks with Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 04, 2021 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Formula 1 can be a tough sport, physically and often mentally. Having a mentor who’s been through it all is very important in ensuring how you cope with the ups and downs. It is no secret that Mick Schumacher has exactly someone like that in Sebastian Vettel.
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It is a well-known fact that Michael Schumacher had been instrumental in Sebastian Vettel’s F1 career. Even if he was not a direct contributor to anything. Vettel has often spoken about how he looked up to him. Further, in his Red Bull days, Schumacher returned to the sport after his hiatus. Thus, giving Vettel some close-up mentorship.
Recently, while speaking to the media Mick Schumacher opened up about his relationship with Vettel, “He makes me feel like I’m not alone. What’s most important for me is the friendship we have built. I’m very proud of him, of what he’s achieved in F1, but also of what a great person he is overall.”
Vettel himself rates Schumacher very highly. After announcing his retirement from the sport at the end of 2022, he named Schumacher his go-to successor for the 2023 Aston Martin seat.
Sebastian Vettel thought Mick Schumacher would be his successor at Aston Martin
Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 before the Hungarian Grand Prix. In the following weeks, Alpine’s Fernando Alonso would replace the German on the British team. However, Vettel had a completely different candidate in mind for his successor.
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team and Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 look on as the prototype for the 2022 F1 season is unveiled during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 15, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
While speaking to the media post his retirement announcement, Vettel said, “I do have my opinion. I think very highly of Mick. I’m obviously not entirely objective because I am very close to him, but I do think he’s a great driver.” When he was probed about whether we’d see Schumacher in Aston Martin next year he remarked, “It’s not my decision. If I am asked I will give my opinion, but in the end the team have to make that decision.”.
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The Haas/Schumacher saga is far from over; where will Schumacher race in 2023? Let us know what you think in the comments below.