Sebastian Vettel believes Michael Schumacher will be “extremely proud” of his son Mick’s performance at the Race of Champions event in Mexico.
The four-time Formula 1 champion teamed up with the 19-year-old prodigy at the annual showcase of motorsport this year being held in the stadium section of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Vettel and Schumacher would reach the final of the nations cup but ultimately lose out to the Nordic team with initially keeping Germany’s hopes alive but succumbing to Tom Kristensen in the final best of three in a KTM Crossbow.
“Of course it is special to form a team with Mick. During my debut in the Race of Champions, I watched Michael and now I could do it together with his son,” said Vettel, who was seen cheering on from the sidelines throughout.
“I’m sure Michael would be extremely proud of his son.
“This event is every time really cool to experience and the atmosphere is unique, you are with all drivers together and that makes it special.
“Mick and I can be proud of what we have achieved because getting a place here is not easy, especially against two great champions, who have a lot of feeling with those cars.”
Schumacher Jr. was equally complimentary of Vettel and the event itself as he made his RoC debut.
“It was a huge experience and it is very cool to do this together with Sebastian,” he commented.
“Sebastian did a great job and I’m sure we would not have gotten that far without him. Second is of course not enough, but more was not in it.
“This event must be great for fans, who see all kinds of greats pass by on the track.”
Their partnership was even more special as it came on the day Schumacher was confirmed as a member of Ferrari’s Driver Academy for 2019 onwards.