FORMULA ONE star Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with a new helmet for the Eifel Grand Prix.
German Vettel’s classy act is in honour of compatriot and F1 and Ferrari hero Schumacher – whose health has been shrouded in secrecy since suffering a near-fatal brain injury in a tragic skiing accident in 2013.
Sebastian Vettel poses with his special helmet
Vettel’s tribute includes Michael Schumacher’s MS logo
Michael Schumacher in his original helmetCredit: Ferrari Cars
Outgoing Ferrari driver Vettel, 33, is commemorating 51-year-old Schumacher’s last win on German soil in 2006.
At first glance Vettel’s helmet appears unchanged for the race weekend at the Nurburgring.
But the four-time world champion explained his helmet would include Schumacher’s original design from 14 years ago as a 3-D print beneath his usual style.
In a clip released by Ferrari, Vettel – who will drive for Aston Martin next year – said: “For this weekend’s German Grand Prix I will wear a new helmet.
“It doesn’t look very different but actually it is because underneath we will have Michael’s original design from 2006.
“You have Michael’s stars, the Chinese dragons and the signs on the side and obviously Michael’s MS logo.
“It’s just a small thought, obviously we all miss him. That way, racing in Germany is always something special.
“Thinking of him and his last race here – when he won in 2006, last time he won on German soil – so I would believe it’s a nice gesture and I’m looking forward to wearing the helmet this weekend.”
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Vettel’s helmet bears the Chinese dragon seen on Schumacher’s
The 3-D design sits under his usual style
The helmet is a touching tribute for Schumacher who suffered a near-fatal skiing accident in 2013
Fittingly Michael’s son Mick is making his F1 debut this weekend driving the Alfa Romeo car.
But the 21-year-old was forced to wait for a taste of the action after bad weather saw the first practice CANCELLED on Friday.
The latest reports claim tragic Michael now resides in a villa converted into a hospital in Majorca and can only communicate with his eyes.
Schumacher had been cared for by wife Corinna at his Swiss home.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
