Mick Schumacher wins Formula 3 European title with race to spare

‘It means everything’ – Schumacher on winning F3 title

Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael, won the Formula 3 European title with a race to spare.

The 19-year-old finished second in race two of the season finale in Hockenheim, Germany, to establish an unassailable lead in the drivers’ standings. In Sunday’s race three, Prema driver Schumacher finished second again for his 14th podium of the season.

“I am absolutely delighted,” German Schumacher said.

“What this team has achieved over the last year is unbelievable.”

Schumacher, who failed to score in the opening race in Hockenheim following a first-lap collision, held a 49-point advantage going into the final round in Germany and only needed to avoid dropping 15 points to title rival Dan Ticktum in race two.

Ticktum’s Motopark team-mate Juri Vips won race two from pole position, and with Ticktum coming home in seventh, Schumacher’s second-place finish was enough to seal championship victory. His Prema team-mate Robert Shwartzman won race three.

Schumacher’s title comes a year after he placed 12th overall in his debut F3 season and he is tipped to follow in his father’s footsteps into F1.

“Mick has the racing genes of Michael,” said Gerhard Berger, boss of the German Touring Car championship.

“If he can continue to deliver performances like these, then he will find his way into Formula 1.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added: “He can be a big name in our sport.

“The boy was in the spotlight from the beginning and was under huge pressure, it’s far from easy to deal with that.” – bbc.com