Michael Schumacher has urged people not to regard Sebastian Vettel as the 'next Schumacher' but to celebrate him as a new star in his own right.
Italian Grand Prix winner Vettel and seven-time world champion Schumacher have long been friends, and with Germany searching for a new Formula 1 hero after Schumacher's retirement two years ago, Vettel's Monza victory has seen him hailed as the natural successor.
But Schumacher doesn't think comparisons between his and Vettel's career are good for the 21-year-old.
"Leave the poor boy alone!" Schumacher told German newspaper Bild.
"I always hated being compared to others and I wouldn't want him to find himself in the same position.
"He is his own man, and he's making his own name - I have no fear of that."
The retired legend said it was hard to draw parallels between his formative F1 races with Jordan and Benetton in 1991, and Vettel's performances for Toro Rosso.
"I don't think it's that easy to judge," he said.
"You can't compare today to 20 years ago."
But Schumacher believes Vettel's emergence is a very good thing for their nation.
"I can see very well what is in the forefront of people's minds," he said.
"Germany needs a star like Sebastian Vettel; someone to cross our fingers for and someone to commiserate with.
"The agreeable thing about him is he's a nice guy who comes across well and enjoys what he is doing."
Vettel had also played down comparisons with Schumacher after his Monza victory.
"To compare anybody to Michael I think is a bit ridiculous," he said.
"Obviously I'm very young and at a very early stage of my career and therefore I think there's no need to make a comparison.
"He's probably one of the best drivers we have ever seen.
"I'm proud, in a way, because I know him."