Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to the legendary Michael Schumacher on Monday. He said ” Michael Schumacher was my idol when I was a child, and he still is today. He will always be the number one. I remember when I met him for the first time, I could not open my mouth, I was so tense. Over time I got to know the person who is not just a race driver, he’s been working hard to bring Ferrari to the top. Incredible.”

The 30-year old said that Schumi always passed on useful information and helped him in his early career. Vettel, dubbed ‘Baby Schumi’ by the media had joined Ferrari in 2015. Sebastian collected the German Millennium-Bambi award on Michael’s behalf in recognition of his achievements.

Vettel also said “He is one of the few people you meet in life, who have an answer for everything. I miss his advice because it was perfect and could be adapted to any situation, and it would work.”

Since Schumacher’s accident in 2013, the 7-time world champion has been receiving constant medical attention. But the family has been reluctant to share too much information on the 48-year old. His manager Sabine Kehm said “Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard. We have to protect his intimate sphere. Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere.”