Mick Schumacher rumored to be on his way to Ferrari!

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Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mick Schumacher could soon pass through the gates of Maranello, with the young German rumored to be joining Ferrari's young driver programme.

After clinching the European Formula 3 title this year, Schumacher will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2019 with the Prema Powerteam, an outfit seen as a direct pipeline to the Scuderia for its young hopefuls.

Needless to say, Schumacher's burgeoning career has garnered the interest of sponsors and manufacturers alike, but the 19-year-old is keeping a level head, taking it one step at a time.

Wolff tips Mick Schumacher for success in F1, perhaps with Mercedes

Both Mercedes and Ferrari are keeping an attentive eye on the young charger, and have allegedly offered him long-term deals

"This year he won the European Formula 3 with a Mercedes engine, and this is a great result, but het is not part of the young Mercedes program," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff last week in St Petersburg.

"I have no doubt that he has the potential to become a successful Formula 1 driver. Maybe one day he will race for us, maybe not."

However, guided by an astute entourage that includes FIA president and former Scuderia boss Jean Todt, Mick Schumacher is apparently favouring an association with Ferrari.

"With a name that is part of Ferrari's history, it is obvious that for him the Maranello door will always be open," said Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

"But let it grow [sic] without pressure."

Will the Schumacher name one day shine again among the stars at Maranello? Don't bet against it…

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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.