BERLIN (AFP) — Michael Schumacher insists Germany's new Formula One star Sebastian Vettel must be left in peace and not constantly compared to his own success as a seven-times world champion.
In a frank interview here on Sunday with German tabloid Bild, Schumacher praised Vettel, 21, for grabbing Germany's first Grand Prix win for two years at Monza on September 14.
Vettel claimed his maiden Formula One victory at the Italian Grand Prix to become the youngest race winner, 24 hours after becoming the youngest man to take pole for a Formula One race.
But Schumacher says constant references in the German press to Vettel as a "Baby Schumi" will not help the youngster as he prepares for next weekend's Grand Prix in Singapore.
"Leave the poor boy in peace!" Schumacher told Bild.
"When I first started out in Formula One, I hated to be continuously compared to other people and I don't want him to be put into the same corner.
"He has already shown he will make his own name, I have no fear about that!"
Having won 91 of his 250 Formula One races, Schumacher retired two years ago having been crowned world champion seven times.
Since then, BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld and Nico Rosberg from Williams have carried the German flag in Formula One.
And Schumacher says he understands the excitement in his home country after Vettel became the first German driver to win a Grand Prix since his retirement.
"Many people are elated at having one of our German drivers win," said Schumacher.
"German fans need a star such as Sebastian Vettel, so they can keep their fingers crossed and get behind.
"Sebastian is a nice guy who deserves his success."
But Schumacher says Vettel will only challenge for the world drivers' championship when he has a car capable of consistently beating the world's best.
Vettel will switch from Toro Rosso to sister team Red Bull next year to replace retiring driver David Coulthard.
"Vettel will be a champion when he gets a car which is able to win consistently," said Schumacher.
"I don't want to blame his team, but Toro Rosso is at the moment, not a world championships winning team.
"Next year, Vettel will be in the Red Bull team and perhaps they will be able to challenge for the top.
"But he has to decide where his future lies."
With four Grand Prix races left, Vettel is ninth in the drivers' world championship table behind leader Lewis Hamilton before the next race in Singapore on September 28.
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