Struggling Vettel wishes he could seek out Schumacher for advice

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If he could, Sebastian Vettel would seek out old friend and mentor Michael Schumacher for some valuable advice on his current state of affairs with Ferrari.

At the start of the summer, the four-time world champion appeared to have the upper hand over arch-rival Lewis Hamilton in their fight this season to achieve a fifth world title.

While Ferrari is believed to still have the better car relative to Mercedes, costly mistakes by Vettel and poor race management by the Scuderia have left the German 40 points behind Hamilton.

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Speaking to Sport Bild, Vettel admitted that he missed the input and guidance he often received in the past from Schuamcher.

"If he was healthy, I would ask him about many things," Vettel said.

"Not necessarily how to drive, but more things that are behind the scenes. Teamwork, Formula 1 politics. He has a lot of experience from his time with Ferrari."

Former McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen, perhaps Schumacher's greatest rival, agrees that Vettel would likely benefit from the F1 legend's support at a time when the championship appears to be drifting away on the back of "many mistakes and strange decisions".

"I have seen that Sebastian has said he wishes he had Michael Schumacher available to ask for advice, and I can understand why," the Finn told his Unibet column.

"Working very closely with the management and senior technical staff, Michael knew how to help get the most out of the Ferrari team.

"And it looks like Vettel has lost some faith in the team to provide him with the necessary support," Hakkinen added.

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone chimed in on Ferrari's quandary and echoed Hakkinen's view.

"Everything is already decided," he told Blick newspaper. "Hamilton is world champion.

"Unfortunately Ferrari messed it up in Monza and Singapore with the strategy. That would have never happened at Ferrari with Schumacher."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.