Alonso and Vettel learned from Schumacher

Michael Schumacher will make his 307th and final Grand Prix start this weekend in Sao Paulo in F1. If the announcement of his replacement by Lewis Hamilton did not play to his advantage and his performances at the end of the season were disappointing, the seven-time world champion will remain an important chapter in the history of the discipline and the new world champions who are both fighting for a third title are respectful of the journey accomplished by the Red Baron. “I will always remember the privilege of riding and fighting against someone like Michael.”, commented Fernando Alonso at a press conference. “Michael will definitely hold the F1 records for a very long time. We were close, we had great fights, constantly learning from someone who changed the discipline a little. »

Sebastian Vettel is no less talkative towards his compatriot who was a model when the pilot Red Bull began his career in motorsport. “He was a real inspiration, he won all the trophies.”, adds the Championship leader. “I didn’t know what to say when I first met him. I didn't mean anything stupid. Today it's different. I no longer feel like I'm talking to the hero of my childhood, it's as if I was talking to Michael, the person and not what he managed to do. This image is very far from the one I had as a kid since I rode with him. We share a very special relationship and these last few years have been very special. »

Michael Schumacher is an old hand in the peloton with his 43 springs on the clock but the driver Mercedes watches with a fatherly eye as his cadets take over at the top of the discipline. “I spent a few more years fighting with Fernando (Alonso) for titles”, comments the future retiree from F1. “Those times were quite difficult, unfortunately he was very competitive at times doing too good a job. He should take things more lightly and take care of the old man that I am! », jokes the German who obviously does not forget to salute the impressive performances of his compatriot. “On Seb's side, we have been friends for a while and I have followed his career in F1 and that is something to make me proud. We both grew up on my circuit in Kerpen. To see where he started from to get to this point in such a short time is quite an achievement. »