Schumacher clinches Euro F3 title at Hockenheim!

40

Mick Schumacher was crowned European F3 champion at Hockenheim on Saturday after finishing runner-up to Juri Vips in the second race of the final round of the junior series.

The writing was on the wall for Schumacher's rivals after the young German driver's recent run of five consecutive race wins that allowed him to arrive in Hockenheim with a comfortable cushion in the championship.

Schumacher's title ambitions were put on hold however earlier today when the Prema charger clashed with team Marcus Armstrong in the first race of the day won by Ferrari junior Guan Yu Zhou.

'Don't rush Mick Schumacher into F1', cautions Brawn

It was just a short delay however for the son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher.

The 19-year-old was snapping at the heels of poleman Vips from the outset, but then lost contact following a lock-up that forced him into defending mode against fellow Prema Powerteam rival Ralf Aron.

Second, and the 18 points that it brought, was good enough to wrap up the title for a jubilant Schumacher.

"It's hard to describe in words," said the newly crowned F3 champion.

"I feel really grateful for what I'm able to live in this moment, to live this dream. We do what we love, so to also perform well in it is the best feeling you can get."

Schumacher paid a heartfelt tribute to his Prema team and to his valuable but small entourage that includes manager and family friend Sabien Kehm.

"I have the team behind me, and people I can go to for relaxing," he said.

"This was key for me coping with the attention that I have, and to focus on racing and what I love doing, which is being on track and turning quick lap times."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.