Schumacher congratulates Brawn, consoles Vettel

There’s not much seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher doesn’t know about what it takes to win Formula One titles. And following the success of Brawn GP and Jenson Button in Brazil on Sunday, Schumacher has taken time out to pass on his good wishes as the team celebrate wrapping up the 2009 drivers’ and constructors’ championships.

The German was particularly keen to praise long-time friend - and Brawn GP team principal - Ross Brawn. Alongside Brawn, Schumacher won back-to-back drivers’ championships in 1994 and 1995 with Benetton. The pair later reunited at Ferrari and together clinched successive constructors’ titles from 1999 to 2004, and a run of five consecutive driver crowns for Schumacher from 2000.

“Congratulations to Jenson and Ross and the whole team - what they managed to achieve this year has my full respect,” said Schumacher on his official website. “If you only look at what they have been through you realize what an incredible story this is: just one year ago they did think everything was over. I am extremely happy for Ross who I’ve known for such a long time now. He deserves this success.”

The 40 year-old also advised fellow German driver Sebastian Vettel not to feel too downhearted about missing out on the title this year, but to instead take pleasure from his achievements. Vettel was still in the running for the drivers’ crown ahead of the Brazilian race, but his fourth-place finish at Interlagos ended his hopes.

“What a pity obviously for Sebastian, but he still has a lot of time,” concluded Schumacher. “He had a fantastic season and showed that he has everything to become world champion. He must not forget that with all the disappointment now. Of course he will see that differently at the moment and will need some days to digest this weekend. But I am sure we will see a lot of good stuff from him in the future."

Source: The Official Formula 1 Website