Schumacher Advice Would Aid Vettel in Title Fight

Sebastian Vettel says he would benefit from advice from Michael Schumacher as he battles Lewis Hamilton in the Formula 1 title race. Vettel has slipped 40 points adrift of Hamilton in the standings, as his attempts to emulate Schumacher’s success with the Scuderia stall.

Vettel idolised Schumacher as a child, as the legendary driver racked up records, race wins and titles with Ferrari in the early 2000s.

Four-time champion Vettel has seen his tilt at a fifth crown hampered by on-track errors and strategic mix-ups by Ferrari and he wishes he could speak with his mentor, whose condition has been largely unknown since a skiing accident in 2013.

Vettel told Auto Bild: “If he was healthy, I would ask him about many things.

“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.”

Schumacher’s old rival Mika Hakkinen also commented on Vettel’s wish, and admitted the 31-year-old would benefit from a helping hand.

The German driver was frustrated by Ferrari’s tactics throughout the Singapore Grand Prix as he finished third to fall away from race-winner Hamilton and Hakkinen has spotted cracks in the team and driver’s relationship.

“I have seen that he has said he wishes he had Michael Schumacher available to ask for advice, and I can understand why,” Hakkinen wrote for Unibet.

“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.

“Once a driver starts worrying about things outside of the car, it can be a real problem in terms of focus and mindset. If Vettel is to win the World Championship, his mind has to be clear.”

For now, Vettel needs to get back his mojo and refocus for Russia in a week’s time. When he won in Belgium, many thought that he could close the gap to Hamilton. But then, Ferrari dropped the ball in Monza and it continued in Singapore. Now, as a result, Hamilton has amassed a 40-point lead in the championship.