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Vettel announced on Thursday morning that he would be leaving F1 at the end of the season, ending a career that won four world championship titles.
His departure from Grand Prix racing has special significance for Schumacher as the pair have formed a close relationship since racing against each other in F1.
Schumacher has often leaned on Vettel for advice and the pair often spend time together away from the track.
After being told by Vettel via text message Thursday morning that he was retiring, Schumacher admitted he was not thrilled with the news.
“Of course I’m very sad on one side,” he said.
“He’s obviously going to leave a huge hole in the sport because he’s such a character in F1 and such a special person. But he’s also such a nice person. So I’m going to miss him a lot.
Schumacher said losing Vettel wasn’t just going to affect his time on the track.
Mick Schumacher, Haas, Beat Zehnder, Sporting Director, Alfa Romeo Racing, Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
“It’s so much more than the races,” he said. “It’s being able to go and visit him in the evening and have dinner with him. That’s what I’m really going to miss.
“He’s just someone I can talk to in my own language. He is going to be super, super missed by everyone, but especially by me.
When asked if he was surprised by Vettel’s decision, Schumacher replied: “I wouldn’t say surprised. I mean, I know Seb pretty well. I feel and know he has other things he wants to do.
“And at the end of the day, I think if he thinks it’s the right time, then he should do it. And sometimes I feel like it’s also a matter of intuition. So I support him 100%.”
Vettel having won respect for his outspoken views on a number of topics, including the environment and human rights, Schumacher joined other drivers in saying the Aston Martin driver’s absence will would be felt in the paddock.
“I don’t think anyone can replace Sebastian,” Schumacher added.
“It’s a fact. If it’s not on the right track, it’s in a political way, and I think so, it’s important to have someone who speaks up and attacks those points as well.
“But I think Sebastian hasn’t quit yet. As he said in his video, there’s more to come.
“And I’m sure we can all learn from what he still has to say. I’m sure he will always have a great voice in F1 even if he doesn’t drive himself.”
Schumacher believed, however, that Vettel’s attitude had caused a change in attitude among the other drivers, which had encouraged them to be more confident in expressing their true feelings.
“I think he threw the snowball into the start,” he said. “It is building and growing. And with that, I’m sure there are more riders starting to express themselves, and also express themselves. But again, I don’t think anyone can replace Sebastian.
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