Mick Schumacher a winner, but too early to talk F1 - Hakkinen

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Mika Hakkinen was one of Michael Schumacher's biggest rivals, but now the Finn has taken a keen interest in the seven-time world champion's son Mick.

The teenager has embarked on his own career in motorsport and continues to learn his trade in the European F3 series this season, a championship won by Williams' Lance Stroll in 2016.

But Hakkinen, who is backing the Schumacher family's 'Keep Fighting' initiative, believes it's premature to talk up Mick's chances of graduating to F1 as it would only add to the 18-year-old's already huge pressure applied by those who expect him to perform.

Mick Schumacher moving towards F1 'one step at a time'

"It is not the right time to be talking about Formula 1, in my opinion," the Finn told Auto Bild.

"He is still a young man and has to prove himself in various ways. But what is important is that he wants to win more races.

"If you are humble and hungry, if you have the goal to be a winner, and you try to improve yourself and become a better racing driver, then that is exactly what you need," Hakkinen said.

"And when I talk to Mick, I feel that he wants to be a winner."

Schumacher has yet to win a round of the 2017 European F3 Championship in which he currently stands tenth half-way through the season.

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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.