Why Vettel Hopes Max Can Protect Schumacher’s Legacy?

Every great generation produces a one of a kind talent, rather a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ achiever. Those who have seen Basketball admit there was none better than the great Michael Jordan. Those who love Cricket admit there weren’t many as great as Sir Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. Meanwhile, in the realm of Formula 1, there were only two names, which still, resonate with millions of fans across the world as being exceptional talents, second to none in any aspect of the sport.

One being the great Ayrton Senna and the other, Michael Schumacher. The latter, however, is still recovering from a massive skiing accident that ravaged his physical health, posing a mortal danger on the great iconic Formula 1 driver. And where it comes to fans who Michael Schumacher commanded, then perhaps there’s none bigger than Sebastian Vettel, speaking of the current F1 grid.

Usually speaking, every Formula 1 driver has that one particular hero who inspires him to get behind the wheel and produce magic. In Hamilton’s case, it’s Senna. In Sebastian Vettel’s case – it’s none other than the legendary Schumacher, a man whose name resonates the very vibe of Formula 1. A man who created history by winning seven world titles, as also being the man who runs the risk of finding his amazing F1 world record being bettered or overtaken by none other than the great Lewis Hamilton.

So is this why Seb Vettel hopes that Max Verstappen can do something special in 2021 to help protect the legendary Schumi’s F1 legacy?

And how does Verstappen go on to do that? Well, it’s simple- by not allowing Lewis Hamilton, who as seen in the past few seasons, has been absolutely unstoppable in the sport. So the key thing is, should Max, who currently leads the F1 championship even so by the tiniest of margins can go on to score his maiden world championship, that would see Verstappen stopping Hamilton from winning an eighth title. And in so doing, Michael Schumacher’s record will remain unbeaten or unsurpassed. This will further mean that Hamilton, to mount the all-encompassing glory, will have to try again next year.

So that brings us to the key question- what did Vettel exactly say in regards to Verstappen and his chances this season, including his wish that Schumacher’s record stays intact and doesn’t get broken?

“I would be happy if Max wins the World title this year. That would mean Michael Schumacher would keep his record of seven titles. Michael is my hero, as everyone knows, and that’s why I would be happy if Max makes it,” shared Vettel.

But does that mean that in the case of Lewis Hamilton winning a grand eighth Formula 1 world championship would make Vettel sad or unhappy?

It’s anything but like that and, as a matter of fact, on the contrary, here’s what Vettel said in the context of Lewis Hamilton, currently on pole position at Hungary where, should he win another race, it would make him the sport’s only driver to score a 100th race win:

“One thing is clear to me – if Lewis makes it and gets his eighth title, then he deserves our full respect!”

The battle between Hamilton and Verstappen resumes shortly at the enigmatic and taxing Hungrian GP, where viewers will hopefully get to see a titanic duel between two of the best talents on the current grid in Lewis and Max. So who will go on to win? Is a Verstappen win that unlikely an occurrence or will Hammertime prevail? Stay tuned in.

6.25 PM IST.