Hakkinen puts his money on Schumacher for F1 drive

Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen is convinced Mick Schumacher will find a seat in Formula 1 "very soon".

Schumacher's win in the FIA Formula 2 Championship's feature race at Monza and another bag of points filled at Mugello has put the 21-year-old in command of junior series' drivers' standings with just two four races remaining on the calendar.

The German is considered a prime candidate for a seat at Alfa Romeo Racing for 2021, a promotion that would practically become undoubtable if Schumacher wins the F2 title.

Read also: Schumacher tipped by uncle Ralf to join Hulkenberg at Alfa Romeo

Last Sunday at Mugello, the young charger demonstrated his father's race winning Ferrari F2004, and the run encouraged Hakkinen to assess the son of his former arch rival, Michael Schumacher.

"It was very nice to see Mick driving his father’s 2004 Ferrari on a demonstration run," Hakkinen wrote in his Unibet column.

"It reminded us how great those V10 engines sounded and the incredible success that Michael achieved with that car and the others with which he won five world titles.

"It is great to see Mick’s career progressing well, including now leading the Formula 2 Championship, and I am certain he will find a seat in Formula 1 very soon.

"It will be a special moment for him, the Schumacher family and Formula 1 when it happens."

Another former F1 driver who has been impressed by Schumacher's progress and believes Schumacher is ready to step up to the next level is Gerhard Berger.

"I think he’s ripe to take the step into Formula 1," the Austrian told Speedweek. "I like him a lot and slowly he is working his way to the top in every category.

"For me, it is important to see whether a racing driver has fluctuations or a championship profile, that he fights for a title with his head and with stamina, even if he ‘only’ comes second in the end.

"I see that with Mick – his father also had it very strongly."

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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.