Brawn: Schumacher F2 win 'reminded me of Michael'

©Twitter

40

Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn said the sight of a jubilant Mick Schumacher winning his first F2 race in Hungary reminded him of his legendary father, Michael.

Schumacher secured his first career win in the category at the Hungaroring, triumphing in Sunday's sprint race after a tight fight with Carlin's Nobuharu Matsushita.

The 20-year-old Prema driver's podium celebrations were witnessed by Ferrari's Mattia Binotto, his mother Corinna, his grandmother and the Schumacher family's spokesperson Sabine Kehm who also manages Mick's career.

Brawn: 'Badly' needed win only fix for morale at Ferrari

Brawn wasn't present in Hungary last weekend, but the images sparked memories of the F1 chief's own happy times with the Scuderia and Michael Schumacher, as the squad's technical director and master strategist.

"I wasn’t at the track, but it was an emotional moment seeing him raise his arms to the sky, and I can’t deny that it reminded me of his father, Michael," said Brawn.

"Mick had to fight for the win and avoid making mistakes as he was harried all race long by Nobuharu Matsushita.

"The victory comes after a rather unlucky first part of the year and this will give him more confidence in his own abilities."

Schumacher's win predictably generated a positive buzz in the media and among his fans. But Brawn insisted the young charger still needs room to develop and blossom.

"The younger Schumacher’s efforts have captured the imagination of media all around the world and show how much the Schumacher name still means and how much attention it can generate," added the Briton.

"Mick still needs to be allowed to progress calmly in order to see where he fits in this competitive world of talented youngsters, but yesterday’s win was an important moment: there’s a long way to go, but he’s on the right road."

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.