Sebastian Vettel dedicates Race of Champions win to Michael Schumacher

Four-time Formula One (F1) World Champion Sebastian Vettel dedicated his Race of Champions win to fellow German retired F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who is still fighting after in his recovery from the traumatic injuries he sustained during a skiing trip in the French Alps almost two years ago. Vettel said that Schumacher is always in his thoughts.

“It’s a shame that he (Schumacher) cannot be here with us now,” Vettel said in an interview as quoted by Fox Sports Asia. “We know that he keeps fighting, we know that he’s not well, so we wish him all the best.”

Vettel knocked out Petter Solberg in the last 16. Then, he beat fellow F1 star Nico Hulkenberg in the quarterfinals before eliminating 2014 winner David Coulthard in the semifinals. The 28-year-old Ferrari driver beat nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen to claim the title at this year’s Race of Champions finale held at the Olympic Stadium.

Previous winners are Romain Grosjean, Sebastian Ogier, Filipe Albuquerque, and Carlos Sainz. Vettel is the first German to win the international motor sport event where drivers from across all racing platforms (F1, NASCAR, World Rally Championship, and IndyCar) race against each other.

Meanwhile, the second year anniversary of Schumacher’s skiing accident is only a month away. It was on Dec. 29 when Schumacher fell and hit his head on a rock while vacationing with his family in the French Alps. The seven-time world champion had been in a medically-induced coma for almost six months. He left the hospital to continue his recovery and rehabilitation at home.

Currently, Schumacher is recuperating from the injuries he sustained in the accident in his Lake Geneva mansion. Schumacher’s former boss Jean Todt recently revealed that the racing legend’s health is improving and that he continues to fight for his life.

Contact the writer at feedback@IBTimes.com.au, or let us know your thoughts below.