Mercedes to keep an eye on Mick Schumacher’s F3 progress

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says the German manufacturer will keep an eye on Mick Schumacher’s progress in the FIA’s European Formula 3 championship.

After a strong campaign in the German and Italian F4 series, the son of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael has confirmed that he will step up to the highly-rated F3 category with reigning champions Prema Powerteam in 2016.

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Recent F1 graduates from the European championship include Red Bull ace Max Verstappen and Force India’s Esteban Ocon, who fought for the title in 2014, as well as 2016 champion Lance Stroll, who will make his grand prix debut for Williams next year.

Although Mick was linked to the Ferrari Driver Academy last winter, the 17-year-old has also been associated with Mercedes, as father Michael drove for both teams during his storied career.

“Mick is a great lad and an excellent driver,” Wolff told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “His family is naturally close to our hearts; the right thing for him this year is to focus on F3. If you do well in this series, many teams will take notice and Mercedes will be among these too.”

Schumacher Jr started competing in single-seaters in 2015. His second year in car racing saw him claim 10 wins, six pole positions and 22 podium finishes.

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