Few sports other than F1 have really witnessed 'dynasties', and while only two sons of world champions have gone on to claim their own titles, numerous sons of famous drivers have made it to the 'pinnacle of motorsport', some, likes Jacques Villeneuve to the very top.

The latest 'son of' seemingly heading towards F1 at a vast rate of knots - albeit following a season or two in F2 - is Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael.

While, some fans sadly already appear to be underwhelmed by the prospect, a number of F1 drivers and team bosses have already welcomed the possibility of his arrival in F1.

Asked in Austin today, whether the Schumacher name will be a burden or an asset to the newly-crowned European F3 champion, Lewis Hamilton was in no doubt.

"I don't think it will be a burden," he said. "I think naturally for any of the champions when they have youngsters come through, naturally Michael is named the greatest driver of all time, he's got the most titles, so there will one hundred percent be a Schumacher back in Formula One, partly because of the name, but secondly because he's doing a great job.

"He's obviously got a lot of talent as his Dad had, just like Keke and Nico, just like when Fernando has kids I'm sure an Alonso will be here again. Even if I have a kid who wants to race and even if he's no good he can make it Formula One because of the name.

"But no, he's doing a really great job and he's a really great kid as well," he added. "He's come to... and been a part of our team a couple of weekends, I think it was last year, very attentive. He's got a great talent as his Dad had so I don't think it will be a burden in my personal opinion. I think it could be great for the sport.

"I don't know him," said Fernando Alonso. "Obviously I never met him, probably. You only see the results from the outside and he has a great talent and he will be good for the sport, to have the Schumacher name again in F1.

"Let's see what the future brings, not putting extra pressure on him which I'm sure he has enough already. Let time decide."

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