After sealing the 2018 FIA European Formula 3 championship at Hockenheim, Mick Schumacher can go on to become “one of the greats” according to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Schumacher’s second-place finish in the penultimate race of the F3 season was enough to guarantee him as world champion, beating nearest rival Dan Ticktum to the crown.

It marks a remarkable turnaround in form for the German, who up until the mid-way point in the season had failed to register any victories, but a late surge, including eight wins in 12 races, saw him rocket to the top of the standings.

Following his success, Wolff praised Schumacher Jr. on his achievement and tipped him to become a future star on the Formula 1 stage in years to come.

“Congratulations to Mick on winning the FIA Formula 3 European Championship title. Attention was focused on the youngster right from the start, and he was under a lot of pressure,” Wolff said.

“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.

“We are also obviously delighted that he registered a 500th race win for Mercedes in F3 and that he secured the title in a Mercedes-powered car.”

Schumacher is expected to leap up to Formula 2 next year, despite reports various F1 teams are heavily monitoring his progress in the lower categories.

Toro Rosso were rumoured to be interested in the 19-year-old for a race seat but denied any approach for 2019. Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the door is “always open” for Schumacher, with his father seven-time world champion Michael’s close affinity with the Italian outfit.