Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Michael Schumacher after securing his first Ferrari victory at the Malaysia Grand Prix on Sunday.
Four-time world champion Vettel - in his maiden season with Ferrari after claiming four world titles with Red Bull - beat the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the Sepang International Circuit for his first race win since the final race of the 2013 season in Brazil.
Vettel's triumph also ended a long drought for Ferrari, whose last success had come at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix and for whom Schumacher won five world titles.
"It's been my dream," he said. "Michael was my hero. All the kids at the go-kart track looked up to him," Vettel said.
"When he turned up to shake hands every year it made our lives. I don't understand yet how special it is."
Seven-time champion Schumacher is still rehabilitating from a severe brain injury suffered in a skiing accident in December 2013.
"Michael left very large footsteps but the target is not to fill those but to leave some new ones," Vettel added.
"It's been a while since I was on the top step. The first time with Ferrari. We made big changes over the winter and the welcome the team gave me has been amazing. Great achievement. We have a great car.
"It is a bit emotional, a very special day and will always remain part of me.
"The key was the way the tyres lasted. That's where we were able to close the gap compared to Mercedes.
"It is a bit of a surprise for us but we need to take it. We need to confirm that and then try to catch these guys."