Lewis Hamilton doubts the pressure of following his father into Formula 1 will be “a burden” on Mick Schumacher.
The 19-year-old scored his first major international championship winning the European F3 crown last weekend at Hockenheim after a late-season push saw eight wins in 15 races.
Though he has already indicated a year in F2 awaits before considering a jump to the top tier, Hamilton believes it is only a matter of time before Mick does reach F1 and claims he will do so on merit.
“There will 100% be a Schumacher back in F1, partly because of the name but secondly because he is doing a good job,” he said in Austin on Thursday.
“He obviously has a lot of talent like his dad had, just like Keke and Nico [Rosberg], just like when Fernando has kids, I am sure Alonso will be here again!
“Even if I have a kid that wants to race, and even if he is no good, he can make it to F1 because of the name.
“[But Schumacher] is doing a really great job, he is a really great kid, he has come to [Grands Prix] and been a part of our team a couple of weekends last year.”
Also Read:
Schumacher isn’t affiliated to a manufacturer despite links to both Mercedes and Ferrari via his father and the pressure of living upto Michael’s reputation is causing some to advise Mick to take his time in reaching F1.
Even so, Hamilton is sure he doesn’t need to worry about it.
“He has got great talent like his dad has, so I don’t think it will be a burden. I think he could be great for the sport,” he concluded.