The four-time world champion also did not say the Haas driver was the ideal candidate for the job or that Aston Martin would be the ideal next career step for Schumacher.
On Thursday, Vettel announced his decision to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season, immediately fueling speculation about who could take his place.
Aston Martin reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg is one obvious candidate, along with drivers whose contracts expire at the end of the season such as Fernando Alonso, Alex Albon and Schumacher.
Vettel has long taken a keen interest in Schumacher’s career, much in the same way that Mick Michael’s father tried to help Vettel when he emerged as a star on the karting scene.
Asked by Motorsport.com if he saw the younger Schumacher as a potential successor, Vettel admitted that his conversation with team owner Laurens Stroll about his retirement plans had covered the topic of who could take his place.
“Apparently I spoke to Lawrence yesterday [Wednesday] and I told him I’m not going to continue,” said Vettel.
“We had a very, very brief conversation about what might come next.
“I have my opinion. I mean, I think very highly of Mick. Obviously I’m not completely objective because I’m very close to him. But I think he’s a great pilot.
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin AMR22, Mick Schumacher, Haas VF-22
Photo by: Erik Junius
“And he learns, continues to learn, when others hold back or stop progressing. So he does have quality, but he’s also still very young and doesn’t have a lot of experience.
“So I don’t know, it’s not my decision. If they ask me, I’ll give my opinion and I won’t hold back, but ultimately the team has to make that decision.”
Responding to Vettel’s departure on Thursday, Schumacher said his compatriot would “leave a huge hole in the sport”.
But when told later about Vettel’s support for him, Schumacher played down any interest in the Aston Martin seat, suggesting his focus was on the present.
“Well, you know, obviously I think there’s still a lot of work to be done here,” he said. “So that’s where I’m focusing right now. And, you know, what the future will bring, we’ll see.
“I never say never. But, you know, obviously my focus is Budapest right now with Haas.”
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