Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mick Schumacher could soon pass through the gates of Maranello, with the young German rumored to be joining Ferrari’s young driver programme.

After clinching the European Formula 3 title this year, Schumacher will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2019 with the Prema Powerteam, an outfit seen as a direct pipeline to the Scuderia for its young hopefuls.

Needless to say, Schumacher’s burgeoning career has garnered the interest of sponsors and manufacturers alike, but the 19-year-old is keeping a level head, taking it one step at a time.

Both Mercedes and Ferrari are keeping an attentive eye on the young charger, and have allegedly offered him long-term deals

“This year he won the European Formula 3 with a Mercedes engine, and this is a great result, but het is not part of the young Mercedes program,” said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff last week in St Petersburg.

“I have no doubt that he has the potential to become a successful Formula 1 driver. Maybe one day he will race for us, maybe not.”

However, guided by an astute entourage that includes FIA president and former Scuderia boss Jean Todt, Mick Schumacher is apparently favouring an association with Ferrari.

“With a name that is part of Ferrari’s history, it is obvious that for him the Maranello door will always be open,” said Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

“But let it grow [sic] without pressure.”

Will the Schumacher name one day shine again among the stars at Maranello? Only time will tell.

But for now, Mercedes will be sticking to their current pair of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Ferrari will also be happy with their 2019 duo of Sebastian Vettel and Charles LeClerc.