Vettel could beat Schumacher records - Todt

Sebastian Vettel could be on a winning streak that races him past the record-setting achievements of Michael Schumacher.

That is the claim of Jean Todt, who before becoming president of F1’s governing FIA was Schumacher’s boss and close personal friend as Ferrari team principal.

Schumacher was 26 when, in 1995, he became world champion for the second time — a milestone reached by Vettel in 2011 at the tender age of 24.

"Vettel could beat Schumacher’s records," predicted Frenchman Todt, referring also to the seven time world champion’s 91 wins, "but it’s not something that needs any more reflection than that.

"They are both great types, the same only in their backgrounds as Germans, with very different personalities and characters."

He also thinks Schumacher - albeit nearing his 43rd birthday and now with Mercedes - could win again.

"Remember that he didn’t immediately dominate at Ferrari," Todt told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

"There are no miracles in formula one. Those who return after three years and do not get the best car do not win straight away.

"He is certainly handling the pressure just as well and so I can imagine him on the podium again," he added.