VETTEL IS NEW GERMAN MISTER FORMULA 1, SAYS SCHUMACHER
In the long term, I think he should go on to become Germany's Mister Formula One.”Red Bull's Vettel is on course to claim his third world driver's championships
BERLIN, Oct 24, 2012 (AFP) - With four Grand Prix races left before his second retirement, seventime world champion Michael Schumacher has said Sebastian Vettel is his obvious successor as Germany's “Mister Formula One”.
“Sebastian is an obvious role model,” Mercedes' Schumacher told German daily Die Welt.
“I also think he will win this year's title, he has the right conditions for it.
“In the long term, I think he should go on to become Germany's Mister Formula One.”Red Bull's Vettel is on course to claim his third world driver's championships title with a nar- row lead at the top of the table over Fernando Alonso ahead of Sunday's India Grand Prix.
The German has won the last three races.
Britain's Lewis Hamilton will replace Schumacher at Mercedes next season and the German said his successor will benefit from the work he has put in with his team over the last three years. “I'm not a designer and no aerodynamicist, but I think that I have contributed to the team's development,” said the 43-year-old, adding that he hopes Hamilton enjoys success with Mercedes.
“I'll be glad for him and for the team. I think I should have a drink with him, because I certainly would have a stake in his success.” Having won the last of his seven world titles in 2004, Schumacher retired in 2006 which changed into a hi- atus from the sport before he joined Mercedes in 2010.
But he advises others against following his example and returning from retirement.
“There has to be some sense behind it. I have seen examples where people return and are hopelessly out driven,” he said. “To get confirmation that you are no longer good enough is of course a negative thing.
“So I wouldn't like to motivate anyone to try it and throw themselves into their own misfortune.” He said there was no suggestion from Mercedes that he should quit at the end of the season when his three-year deal expires. “Mercedes made it clear that they wanted to keep working with me,” he said.