Mick Schumacher says Sebastian Vettel is mentoring him in the same way Michael guided the four-time Formula 1 champion.

The 20-year-old is making a steady climb up the motorsport ladder and this season has made a solid if unspectacular impact in F2, currently sitting P12 in the standings.

Throughout his rise, however, Vettel has been there for Schumacher Jr., with the pair even teaming up in this year' Race of Champions, and Mick opened up on their relationship.

"I've got a great deal of respect for him," he told Motorsport-Magazin. "We talk a lot about motorsport.

"I try to get tips from him and put them into practice. He's been in the sport quite a few more years than me, so every conversation we have helps.

"I think what my dad was to Sebastian, he is for me, someone that I'm close to, with whom I can talk about motorsport."

Schumacher can also now call himself a colleague of Vettel's after joining Ferrari's Driver Academy at the start of 2019.

It was with the Scuderia that the German made his first official F1 appearance back in April at the post-Bahrain GP test and Mick also spoke of the fondness he has for them and Italy in general.

"I feel drawn to Ferrari," Schumacher said. "I grew up with them and have always driven for Italian teams except for one season.

"I'm back now with Italians once again at Prema. The passion they have for motorsport is just terrific.

"You appreciate that all the more at Ferrari. Walking around Maranello or Fiorano feels really special. It's just one big happy family and you feel good when you're there, part of the Ferrari family."