Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One world titles and 91 race wins has stood as a mantra for Formula One racers to aim to beat since the German finished his last season at Ferrari in 2006.

However, in recent times it has looked likely that either Sebastian Vettel or Lewis Hamilton could challenge the incredible records set by the legendary German.

Vettel has won four world championships and 52 races, most of those coming with Red Bull racing between 2009-2013 when he dominated the sport.

Since 2014, Britain’s Hamilton has been the sports top-dog, winning four world championships to add to his one with McLaren in 2008.

This has led to suggestions that with five titles and 71 wins, Hamilton could eventually beat the great German’s records and become the undisputed 'GOAT' of Formula One.

Vettel has, however, claimed that Schumacher’s record still remains far from being beaten, claiming it depends on how his own, and Hamilton’s performances are in years to come.

Vettel has also claimed it is very difficult to compare his, Hamilton's and Schumacher’s records together, saying it is different comparing between different generations.

“It’s difficult to compare,” claimed the Ferrari driver.

“Yes, you can compare, but every time is different. I think comparing maybe with the generation of Michael is probably easier, but comparing back is more difficult.

“I don’t know, I think it depends in the next years how competitive we will be, and how competitive Lewis will be,” continued the four-time world champion.

Sebastian looked to lead the greatest challenge to Mercedes this year since the inception of the turbo-hybrid era, but his challenge curtailed off after the summer break, following his poor run of form from the German GP onwards.

“It’s impossible to predict. I still think that Michael’s numbers are quite far away,” claimed Vettel.

Despite losing another world title battle this year, the Ferrari driver has earned gracious reviews from fans and pundits alike following his gracious reaction to Hamilton directly after the Mexican GP, cutting short an interview with David Coulthard to congratulate Lewis on his fifth championship.

Footage was posted on Twitter from the Mercedes F1 official account of Vettel entering the Mercedes garage to congratulate the team too, and he has said his response was “normal” to acknowledge defeat in that manner.

“Obviously it’s not nice to lose. But if you do, I think for me it was normal, you just respect the other side. It’s part of the game that we play.

“There are bigger things in life than what we do on the track but for us they are big because they’re a big part of our lives. So I think it’s part of normal behaviour I would say, to respect when others a just a bit better,” concluded the Ferrari ace.