Bernie wants the Schumacher name back in F1

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Bernie Ecclestone says he hopes Grand Prix legend Michael Schumacher's teenage son makes it all the way to Formula 1.

Mick Schumacher, 17, will be stepping up from Formula 4 to the ultra-competitive European F3 series this year, which was the category that launched Max Verstappen and so many other top drivers' careers.

Last year, Mick finished runner-up in both the Italian and ADAC F4 championships and Mercedes have also recently admitted keeping a watchful eye on Schumacher Junior's performance.

And we wouldn't be surprised if Ferrari was also taking a keen interest in the son of than man who wrote so many successful chapters of the Scuderia's history.

Asked by Germany's Sport Bild if he would like to see young Mick on the grid, Ecclestone answered: "If he is anywhere near as good as his father, why not?

"It would be good for F1 if the name Schumacher was with us again," he added.

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Schumacher himself has said that his goal is to reach the big time, and to follow in his father's footsteps.

European Formula 3, where Mick will race against the likes of Lando Norris, this year's winner of the McLaren BRDC Autosport award, is but an intermediate springboard in his attempt to reach the top.

"From a professionalism point of view, it [European Formula 3] is a bit closer to the direction of Formula 1. It all gets closer together and becomes a bit more difficult."

"I want to be Formula 1 World Champion; this is what every racer wants, I think."

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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.