Sebastian Vettel has defended Mick Schumacher after his rookie season was marred by several crashes.
Though Haas teammate Nikita Mazepin earned the nickname 'Mazespin' during 2021, it was actually the German who had the more costly year, with his crash damage total reaching over 4.2m Euros, the most of any driver on the grid.
Even so, Vettel believes the mistakes are all part of the learning process for Schumacher.
“He did well in the worst car in the field,” the Aston Martin driver said in an interview with Swiss publication Blick.
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“His main task, to leave his teammate Mazepin behind him, he solved with aplomb, but Mick also broke seven cars, more than any other driver.
“In the first year, you still have to learn a lot and when you are no longer allowed to do this process, it becomes difficult.”
The relationship between Vettel and Schumacher is well-known with the belief being Sebastian is simply doing for Mick what his father Michael Schumacher did for him in his early F1 career.
But the 34-year-old sees it differently.
"I am more a friend than someone who feels responsibility [towards Mick]," Vettel told F1-Insider.
"You are always there for friends. That's why I have zero competitive thoughts towards him and I am happy to pass on my experience.
"Of course, the bond is there through Michael, but Mick comes from a very good family. He's a very sensible, well-mannered young man who is now ready to go his own way. He's doing that very well.
"His work ethic reminds me of his father. I sincerely wish him a car with which he can make more of a mark next year."
