Sebastian Vettel has been beaten by his compatriot Mick Schumacher in a nail-biting head-to-head battle in the Race of Champions over the weekend in Mexico.

Just a day after Team Germany had their hopes of a ninth Race of Champions title scuppered by Team Nordic’s Tom Kristensen and Johan Kristoffersson, the two German stars were pitted against one another.

Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael, had the opportunity to face his illustrious rival, four-time Formula One champion Vettel.

Schumacher has been making waves in Formula 3 after winning the European Championship and has subsequently been snapped up by the Ferrari Driver Academy.

It was a thrilling race, where both men competed in identical cars, Schumacher got off to a flying start and established a 2.6-second lead after the first lap in Ford Sol, Mexico City.

And the 19-year-old was able to maintain this position throughout the whole race leaving the crowd somewhat stunned as Schumacher crossed the chequered line ahead of his vastly more experienced rival.

Vettel only had words of praise for the Ferrari up and comer after the race and predicts a bright future.

"I hope he stays with us for a long time and one day he can drive with me. Or maybe I can hand over the steering wheel to him when I stop one day," he said.

"Mick has proved his worth so far and deserves to be in the academy. I'm glad Ferrari beat Mercedes to signing him and I think the academy is a good environment for young drivers to develop."

Schumacher added to his already growing reputation as he advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition.

The prodigy was however eliminated in the next round by former F1 racer Esteban Gutierrez, as the 27-year-old put in a formidable performance in his home country.

“A super experience to compete with all these motorsport sizes," Schumacher posted afterwards. "It has brought me a lot, and I’m happy with my performances, even if it could have gone better in the quarterfinals.

“To form a team with Sebastian and to reach the final of the Nations Cup was fun. I fly back to Europe with a big smile.”