Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has backed Mick Schumacher to become “one of the greats” in motorsport after the youngster sealed the 2018 Formula 3 title.
Schumacher, son of seven-times F1 champion Michael, was only an outside challenger halfway through his second season in the division but surged into contention with a string of wins.
Schumacher, whose Prema team utilises Mercedes power in the series, clinched the crown in Saturday’s second race of the Hockenheim finale by placing runner-up to Juri Vips.
It marked his 13th podium from 29 races this season, eight of which have been wins, having also secured seven pole positions.
“Congratulations to Mick on winning the FIA Formula 3 European Championship title," said Wolff, Head of Mercedes Motorsport.
"Attention was focused on the youngster right from the start, and he was under a lot of pressure.
“It's not easy coping with all that, especially if the season does not get off to the best of starts, as in this case.
“His performance in the second half of the season was therefore all the more impressive.
“He has shown that he has what it takes and that he can become one of the greats in our sport.”
Three of the most recent four European F3 Champions have graduated to Formula 1.
Esteban Ocon (2014) stepped up mid-2016 with Manor, before switching to Force India, while Lance Stroll (2016) moved straight up with Williams.
Last year’s champion, Lando Norris, is to make the grade with McLaren in 2019, having spent this season competing in Formula 2.
