The Observer
The Mercedes Wunderboys were all destined for greatness but, as Damien Smith explains, only one ever achieved his potential in Formula One
Young driver programmes, they're all the rage with your Renaults and Toyotas these days.
But the most successful and famous junior 'Stepladder to fame' will always be the one that helped a precocious German youth hone a sublime talent and go on to become the most successful Formula One driver in the history of the world, the Solar System, the Universe, etc.
It's too glib to say Michael Schumacher was just another wannabe when Mercedes-Benz signed him up to join its Sauber-run Group C sportscar programme in 1990. The kid was clearly better than average, but just how good was not yet obvious.
Share Or Save This Story
Obituary: F1 team founder Ted Toleman dies aged 86
Prototype Winter Series Barcelona: Newcomer David defeats champion Soufi
Formula Winter Series Barcelona: Peebles doubles up to claim title
GT4 Winter Series Barcelona: McLaren and Aston aces star in GT thriller
GT Winter Series Barcelona: Wiebelhaus untouchable as Heyer and Härtling win title
Formula Winter Series Aragon: Three new winners as title contenders struggle
GT4 Winter Series Aragon: Two wins out of three for Forsetti's Aston
The rise of a new F1 superpower
Latvala: Neuville, Evans tied for WRC Croatia lead "something special"
WEC Imola: Ferrari remains on top in FP2 as Fuoco beats Porsche
WRC Croatia: Neuville, Evans tied for the lead after eight stages
WIN! A VIP Race Weekend Experience in Monaco
How motorsport is embracing the opportunities of AI
The unlikely series providing an open door to innovation
Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2023
How a lost Lotus that could have revolutionised Can-Am finally came to life
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
