Vettel pays tribute to childhood hero Michael Schumacher with Eifel Grand Prix helmet design

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher holds a special place in so many fans' and fellow drivers' hearts – particularly his compatriot Sebastian Vettel – and the four-time champion has paid tribute to Ferrari's most decorated racer with a new helmet for the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix that takes more than a few cues from Schumacher's design.

The helmet, painted bright white this time out at the Nurburgring, features the German flag that Vettel dons almost every Grand Prix weekend, but where's the Schumacher tribute?

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"It doesn’t look very different but actually it is," explained Vettel, "because underneath we have Michael’s design, Michael’s original design from 2006, as a sort of 3D-print that is difficult to see from far, but when you get a little bit close – I’m sure they will publish some pictures, you can see a little bit more."

In the gallery below, you can see his Jens Munser-designed helmet, with close-up images of the incredible details that Vettel has opted for.

"So you can see Michael’s stars, the Chinese dragon, and the signs on the side and obviously Michael’s ‘MS’ logo. It’s just a small thought. Obviously we all miss him and in that way, racing in Germany is always special so I’m thinking of him and his last race here when he won, in 2006," continued Vettel.

"So that’s the 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," he said.

Listen to Sebastian Vettel reflect on his career and life outside F1 on Beyond The Grid