Racing champion Sebastian Vettel is adamant that Michael Schumacher will always be regarded as the greatest Formula One driver, regardless of whether Lewis Hamilton surpasses his World Championship record with five more title wins.
Hamilton and Schumacher currently share a record seven titles each, with Hamilton having the opportunity to pull ahead if he secures victory over Max Verstappen at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The season-ending race at Yas Marina in the UAE will see Hamilton and Verstappen tied on 369.5 points in the standings.
Hamilton has emphasized that an eighth title would be his most significant achievement considering the tough competition with Verstappen.
However, Vettel believes that Schumacher’s legacy as the best in the sport will remain unassailable, even if Hamilton were to add more titles to his name.
“Michael is my hero,” Vettel, a four-time world champion, expressed his admiration for his fellow German.
“For that reason, I probably don’t want Lewis to win, but the truth is, they have both had a strong season. They both deserve the opportunity to win the championship in the final race.
“In a way, I’d be happy if Michael’s record still stands, but even if Lewis wins, Michael will still be the greatest in my eyes.
“Lewis can win one, two, three, or five more championships, but it doesn’t change anything for me. I have a good relationship with Lewis.
“So, my gut feeling leans towards wanting Max to win to preserve the record, but I believe the best should emerge victorious.”
Fernando Alonso, another multiple world champion, has endorsed Verstappen as the most deserving victor of the thrilling 2021 season.
“Max, in my opinion, has been a step ahead of all of us,” the Alpine driver remarked.
“Throughout the year, Max has consistently been a step ahead of everyone.”
“We witnessed his incredible lap in Jeddah, right until the moment he touched the wall at the last corner. That exceptional driving was all down to Max, not the Red Bull car.
“In a way, that’s my view: Mercedes deserve the constructors’ championship due to the superior car, while overall, Max has been driving a step ahead of everyone.”
In December 2013, Schumacher sustained a severe brain injury in a skiing accident. He remained in a medically induced coma until June 2014. Subsequently, he was transferred from Grenoble hospital to the Lausanne University Hospital for further rehabilitation before being relocated to his residence for private medical care and ongoing rehabilitation in September 2014. Since 2014, he has been confined to a bed.