London, July 30 (BUS): Sebastian Vettel has backed his friend and fellow German Mick Schumacher to replace him at Aston Martin when the four-time world champion retires at the end of the season.
Vettel, 35, announced his retirement on Thursday with immediate speculation over who could be his successor alongside Canadian Lance Stroll at the British-based team, Reuters reported.
“I already have my opinion. I mean, I really appreciate Mick,” Vettel told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the August break.
He added, “Obviously I’m not entirely objective, because I’m very close to him. But I think he’s a great driver. He’s a learner, he keeps learning when others stop, or they stop making progress.” 23 years old.
“So he has a lot of qualities, but he’s also still very young, and he doesn’t have a lot of experience.”
Vettel said the decision was up to the team but that he “won’t back down” if asked.
The German is close to the Schumacher family, with father Mick, a seven-time world champion, and Ferrari great Michael, Vettel’s childhood champion.
Schumacher Sr. has not been seen in public since he sustained serious head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013.
Vettel has held a mentor role for Mick since his compatriot joined Ferrari’s Haas team in 2021 after winning the Formula 2 title.
The Ferrari-backed driver took time to open his account, was unable to score a point last year but has finished eighth and sixth in Britain and Austria this season.
Schumacher’s contract will expire at the end of the year.
M