Nicolas Todt: I will have a role in Mick's racing career

Rewind a quarter of a century to when their respective fathers - Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher - began their historic and record-breaking journey, with Todt senior manager of Schumacher senior at Ferrari, for a case of 'Back to the Future'.

Todt junior - who currently manages Felipe Massa, Jules Bianchi, Charles Leclerc and Daniil Kvyat - told Auto Bild, "I can confirm that I will have a role in Mick's racing career. With Mick he knows its not a case of now or never, he knows he still has a lot to learn. He is young. The goal is not to sit in a Formula 1 car as quickly as possible. The goal must be to stay in Formula 1."

"I think it is very important to be well prepared for Grand Prix racing. You have to prove in the junior classes that you can win regularly or even dominate. Then it's time for the next step."

"Most drivers rush everything, and that turns out later as a mistake," said 41-year old Todt whose new charge is the reigning European Formula 3 Champion.

"It's important that Mick does something that he enjoys, which makes him happy. At the same time, it is important for him to be successful because the pressure is so great."

"Understandably, people expect a lot from him. After all, he is the son of the record world champion. Now he is in Formula 2, but the road is still long and it is important we protect him."

After winning the European F3 championship last year on his second attempt with Prema Theodore Racing, Schumacher junior will step up to Formula 2 this year with Prema Racing.

He has also been added to the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy which all but ensures he will be in a Formula 1 car at some point in his future.