German drivers have been part of the Formula 1 scene since the start of the world championship in 1950 and the days of Wolfgang von Trips.
But it was only when Michael Schumacher came along in the 1990s that the country produced a champion. And not just any old title-winner – but one who is still widely regarded as the greatest racer the sport has ever seen.
Back-to-back titles with Benetton saw Schumacher crowned king of the motorsport world, and it sparked a change in attitude back home. More and more German youngsters were taking up motorsport, desperate to follow in the footsteps of their hero.
Plenty have raced in the sport since, including the likes of Timo Glock, Adrian Sutil, Nico Hulkenberg and Nico Rosberg. But none of them have a story so similar to Schumacher's than that of Sebastian Vettel.
Both came from 'normal' families, who had enough but were certainly not flush with cash. Vettel's father was a carpenter, while Schumacher's dad was a bricklayer – they even began their respective love affairs with motorsport at the very same karting track near Cologne.
And so when Vettel reached F1 he was inevitable dubbed "baby Schumi". And, of course, he later proved himself worthy of that moniker when he won four world titles in a row with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013.
As well as inspiring his journey, Schumacher even took on an unofficial mentor-style role during the younger German's early years in the sport. Who better to learn from than the man who had achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming world champion seven times?
That close association meant Vettel was more affected than most when Schumacher suffered his skiing accident in 2013 – the F1 icon survived has lived a reclusive life ever since, cared for by his doting wife Corinna. Vettel collected a lifetime achievement award in his absence the following year, and paid tribute to his idol when he announced his move to Ferrari – the team which has become synonymous with the racing legend's name.
Vettel owed a great debt to Schumacher, and while there was nothing he could do for the man himself personally, later came the chance for him to step up. After all, when his son Mick entered the F1 world he did so without his father being able to guide him.
So he took on that role, in a relationship which stemmed back to Vettel's Ferrari days when Schumacher Jr was part of the team's development programme. Once he graduated to join Haas, he was being helped by the mentor who had now become an on-track rival.
"I'm happy to help where I can because he’s a great guy and obviously I have a very special connection to his father," said Vettel at the time. "So yeah, from my side, I really like him, we get along well and I'm happy to tell him everything that I know.
"I watched his father win a lot more races than he could have watched me win, but I think I will be happy to help, but I think it's very important for him to find his own path and follow his own way. But surely as much as it helped when Michael had some things to say when I asked and gave me advice, I'm trying to do the same to him."
Vettel departs F1 himself with Schumacher finding his feet in the sport. His first points have finally been sealed, and now the outgoing Aston Martin racer feels there is no better replacement than the young man he has been guiding.
"We did have a very, very brief chat about what might be next," he said after revealing a chat with team owner Lawrence Stroll. "I do have my opinion. I think very highly of Mick – I'm not entirely objective because I'm very close to him. But I do think he's a great driver and is a learner.
"He keeps learning when others stall or stop making progress. He does have qualities but he's also very young still, he doesn't have a lot of experience. I don't know, it's not my decision. If I'm asked I will give my opinion and not hold back. But in the end, the team will have to make that decision."
