Red Bull's Marko responds to Mick Schumacher rumors

Young charger Mick Schumacher enjoyed a triumphant 'hat-trick' weekend at the Nurburgring recently, fueling rumors the 19-year-old has been was put on Toro Rosso's shortlist.

The son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher blitzed the field in all three rounds of the FIA European F3 event held in Germany last weekend.

Schumacher appears to have enjoyed a breakthrough moment and his sudden performance surge has put him in contention for the title with six races to go.

"After the first win in Spa, something happened. I don't know what," Schumacher said last Sunday.

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However, reports of his possible graduation to F1 next season with Toro Rosso are greatly exaggerated said Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko.

"Mick is not on our list," the Austrian told Germany's Auto Bild.
"We do not have any contact with him at all."

FIA president Jean Todt, who has remained close to the Schumacher family, believes patience is a virtue when it comes to the young driver's F1 ambitions.

"He is a great driver, but he still has a lot to learn. We have to give him time," Toldt told Sport Bild.

"He's under pressure because the expectations are high."

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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.