Sebastian Vettel chooses between Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher for the ‘greatest’ Formula 1 driver in history

Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season with one of the greatest records in the sport’s history.

After brief spells with BMW Sauber and Toro Rosso, Sebastian Vettel made his name at Red Bull before joining Ferrari and finally, Aston Martin.

The German driver won four consecutive drivers’ championships, defeating several incredible racers on his way to those respective titles.

One of those drivers was Lewis Hamilton, who enjoyed his spell of dominance with Mercedes after Vettel’s advantage disappeared at the end of the 2013 season.

Hamilton shares the record with Michael Schumacher for most world champions won after clinching his seventh title in 2020.

He’s now joined Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari outfit to try and win his eighth championship but will have his work cut out going into what’s expected to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history.

McLaren appear to be the 2025 favourites after testing but it’s yet to be seen whether Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes or even a team further down the grid were hiding some performance in Bahrain.

Damon Hil is worried Hamilton has ‘lost’ some of his edge in qualifying going into this year which could make coming out on top against teammate Charles Leclerc tricky.

However, it’s hard to argue with his legacy in the sport as the only driver to have won more than 100 Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel settles the Lewis Hamilton vs Michael Schumacher F1 ‘greatest’ debate

It looked like Schumacher and Hamilton were never going to race each other when the German retired at the end of the 2006 season just as McLaren called up Hamilton after he won the GP2 series.

However, his return to race for Mercedes in 2010 was equal parts unexpected and exciting for the sport and while he only secured a single podium during his final three years on the grid, his presence was very welcome.

Vettel was asked during an interview with Tages-Anzeiger about his relationship with Schumacher and looking up to him earlier in his career.

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The four-time champion took Michael’s son Mick under his wing when he arrived in Formula 1 with Haas in 2020 and the pair recently drove alongside each other during the Race of Champions event.

When asked about Schumacher, Vettel said: “He is my childhood hero and, in my opinion, the greatest Formula 1 driver in history, even if statistically that is Lewis.”

Vettel and Hamilton have huge amounts of respect for each other after being bitter rivals on the track.

Hamilton asked for Vettel’s advice before joining Ferrari but it’s clear why the German believes Schumacher comes out on top in this debate.

Lewis Hamilton can surpass Michael Schumacher with Ferrari during 2025 F1 season

When Schumacher eventually retired with 91 Grand Prix victories to his name, it looked like a tally that would never be beaten.

However, Hamilton and Mercedes’ dominance – as well as the ever-increasing number of races each season – meant the 40-year-old eventually chased him down.

Whether Hamilton can secure an eighth championship is yet to be seen.

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The British driver finished behind George Russell in the drivers’ championship last year, albeit in a car that didn’t suit his driving style.

He needs to come out ahead of Leclerc first to stand a chance before taking into account Max Verstappen’s dominance and the pace advantage Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could have at McLaren.