Wolff believes Schumacher can be 'one of the greats'
- Published on 15 Oct 2018 12:36
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff believes that Mick Schumacher can become one of the greatest in the world of motorsport following his Formula 3 success. The German won the European Formula 3 championship last weekend, capping off a dominant second half to the season.
The 19-year-old has been linked to a Formula 2 move for 2019, with rumours already placing him in the frame for a 2020 seat in Formula 1. And Wolff thinks that Schumacher is well on his way after a highly impressive 2018 season.
"Congratulations to Mick on winning the FIA Formula 3 European Championship title," he said. "Attention was focused on the youngster right from the start, and he was under a lot of pressure. It's not easy coping with all that, especially if the season does not get off to the best of starts, as in this case.
"His performance in the second half of the season was therefore all the more impressive. He has shown that he has what it takes and that he can become one of the greats in our sport. We are also obviously delighted that he registered a 500th race win for Mercedes in F3 and that he secured the title in a Mercedes-powered car."
Schumacher is currently not linked to a Formula 1 team, however Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has previously said that the door is always open for him at the Scuderia outfit.
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Replies (13)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Very exciting for Mick. I think it was well earned, although Dan Ticktum is probably getting ready to tweet some more BS like suggesting Mick was favoured. Unlike politics, I actually like seeing some legacy names in F1 (provided, of course, that the places were earned)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Oh Im sure he will, and Im sure we all will care about as much as I do about that coke I just shugged ('twas tasty, mind, in contrast to Ticktum's comments on anything). But as you say, well earned. I was afraid he was gonna turn out to be another Wehrlein, winning more based on, but Im really glad he turned out to be a good driver in his own right.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
*based on being favoured rather than skilled
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@Calle What is this you speak of regarding Wehrlein? I am not familiar with this.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Back in DTM, Mercedes more or less gifted him a number of wins through pure team order, and that was basically how he wont the title that year. Not saying the fella wasnt good, he is and I still think its unfortunate he didnt get to retain his F1 seat, though that kinda left a semisour taste in me mouth. Almost as semisour as Coca Cola Zero Lemon (TM). ;)
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
I wish him all the best, but when.. IF he ever gets to F1, I'd like to see him in a Ferrari not a Mercedes.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Oh yes, keep him far away from the clutches of mr. 50 Shades of Wolff. Lest we'll have a Schumacher second driver to add to his collection of subservient second drivers.
blade
Posts: 341
Can't agree more. I would imagine that's already been lined-up, subject of course to performance in F2 next yr. Are the 2020 seats contracted already, one or both?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think so, though there is always a place at Sauber or HAAS, methinks.
blade
Posts: 341
Despised his dad when he was racing - the ultimate cheat. The thing is, he never needed to cheat - he was that good - for me at least two of his championships are marred by his anti-sport actions. I hope to god he has all Michael's undoubted skill and race craft and none of the worse traits. Good luck to the lad.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Finally someone speaking the truth.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
Agree, there were some dodgy times, but I have to admit that also made if fun to follow. Also agree that I would love to see young Mick do well purely on merit.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
No doubt, but then again its the same with Hammy, Senna, and many of the other multichamps. Im a real Schumi-fantard, I bear that bias on me sleeve, but I'll admit those were the things I like less about him. Needless to say, great driver, and hope Mick inherited the talent without the roughness (and it seems like he did *knocks on wood*).