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Schumacher 'definitely' feels ready for Formula 1

Ferrari protégé Mick Schumacher says his ongoing and constant development as a driver has made him ready for motorsport's big time.

Many would rightly argue that the 21-year-old son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher was born ready for Formula 1.

But the young charger still had to prove that he could make the most of his valuable genetic inheritance. But as the current leader of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with just two rounds to go, Schumacher has passed that assessment with flying color.

"In recent years I have always pursued the goal of developing myself as a driver and I am very satisfied with my development," the 21-year-old told t-online.de. "That’s why I definitely feel ready for Formula 1.

"I’m also very pleased that the results are right and that my team and I have consistently achieved good results."

©Ferrari

Schumacher is expected to join Haas next season, although Ferrari boss Matta Binotto says the Scuderia has not yet decided who among its talented juniors will get the all-important call-up.

Schumacher was earmarked for an FP1 debut at the Eifel GP last month with Alfa Romeo, but a washed-out Friday at the Nürburgring put paid to that opportunity.

Nevertheless, embedding with the Swiss outfit for the race weekend added to the young German's knowledge, while another FP1 chance could be granted in Abu Dhabi.

Read also: Ferrari to decide fate of juniors 'in next couple of weeks'

For Schumacher, it's unequivocally a question of when not if he steps up to F1.

"Of course I would have preferred if I could have driven," he admitted. "But overall it was a very positive weekend for me because working with the team, the meetings and the discussions with the engineers enabled me to take a lot with me and now I can better assess how a Formula 1 weekend actually works.

"The desire to become a Formula 1 driver one day has always been great and is deeply rooted in me. I give everything towards this wish.

"At the moment, however, my focus is on Formula 2, with two race weekends still ahead of us, which we want to finish well. We’re leading the championship, and that’s how I want it to be at the end of the season!"

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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.