Vettel on Schumacher Jnr: 'We must let Mick do his thing'

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Sebastian Vettel says no one should put pressure on Mick Schumacher, urging the motorsport world to let the young Ferrari-supported driver "do his own thing".

Vettel was paired with the 19-year-old charger in Saturday's Race of Champions Nations Cup in Mexico City, the Team Germany duo winning the trophy for their country.

On Sunday, Vettel found himself on the receiving end of Schumacher's burgeoning talent, finding himself outpaced and knocked out by the youngster in an individual group confrontation around the Foro Sol stadium's purpose-built track.

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It was all good fun however, and Vettel - a multiple winner of the ROC with Mick's legendary father Michael - was quick to praise Schumacher's performance.

"I remember my first appearance and looking up to Michael, and now I’m a little bit older and teaming up with Mick," said Vettel.

"We all know it would be more special to have Michael here [at the events] to witness the performance of Mick today. We still miss him. But I’m sure he would be proud of his son."

Queried on Mick's future and the announcement of his entry into Ferrari's Driver Academy, Vettel hopes Schumacher will enjoy a prosperous and long association with the House of Maranello.

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"It's great for him," added Vettel. "I hope he stays with us for a long time and one day he can drive with me. Or maybe I can hand over the steering wheel to him when I stop one day."

But the four-time world champion also hopes that expectations regarding the young man will remain in check.

"We shouldn't put too much pressure on Mick, and we should let him go his own way," Vettel told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Personally, I think that if we just let him do his think, he can become a star."

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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.