F2 champion Schumacher earns his graduation to F1

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Mick Schumacher won the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship title in Bahrain on Sunday, a fitting achievement ahead of his graduation to F1 in 2021.

Schumacher's 14-point advantage over title rival Callum Ilott before Sunday's finale allowed the young German to race conservatively in the 34-lap sprint race.

But a lock-up on the opening lap going into Turn 4 threw a spanner in the works and eventually forced the Prema charger to pit for a fresh set of tyres on lap 19 which sent him to tumbling down the order to the rear of the field.

Up ahead however, Ilott in third position needed to pull off an outright win to overhaul Schumacher, but the Briton went downhill instead, concluding his race P11 with Schumacher sealing the title despite crossing the checkered flag P18.

Jehan Daruvala and Yuki Tsunoda made it a Carlin 1-2 for good measure.

"To be honest I'm a bit overwhelmed," said Schumacher. "It's going to take a few days maybe..."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.