The Formula One legend and seven-time world champion suffered a severe head injury while skiing at the exclusive Meribel Resort in the French Alps on December 29 2013.
The record-breaking sporting legend was put into a medically induced coma and underwent two life-saving operations at Grenoble Hospital.
And in April 2014 he was moved to a hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, before being brought home in September 2014.
His health and updated condition has largely remained a mystery since then, but former colleague Vettel said he believes Schumacher “knows how to move forward” and hopefully recover.
In an interview with Swiss German-language tabloid Blick, Vettel was asked how he could mentally handle such traumatic events – as the German racing driver was a close friend of Michael Schumacher’s.
He said: “What, that’s how long ago it happened? That is an extremely long time ago. You can see how time flies.
“Above all we in Formula One are coached on a daily basis to look ahead. The next race, the next race. That’s how the years go by.
“Of course, Michael is still missed by Formula One. And especially we at Ferrari would be happy if he could stand by our side with advice in the race for the world title.
“If anyone knows how to move forward, then it is him.”
Schumacher was skiing with his 14-year-old son in the French Alps when he fell and hit his head on a rock.
Despite wearing a helmet, the F1 legend suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma.
Physicians said Schumacher would almost certainly have died if he was not wearing head protection.
And four years later, his family are still hoping for a “medical miracle” as the racing legend recovers from his injuries, according to a source close to them.
The driver is reportedly receiving £115,000-a-week treatment following a brain injury sustained in a skiing accident but is said to be doing “well in the circumstances”.
His wife Corinna Betschi and children Mick and Gina-Maria are said to be hopeful.
A family friend said: “Corinna and the children hope to this day that a medical miracle happens.”