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Second-generation racing drivers - can they make it to F1?

Started by midgrid , Oct 06 2010 00:35

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42 replies to this topic

#1 midgrid

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 00:35

One of the things I like about following the formulae below F1 is the chance to see the children (and other relations) of past F1 drivers coming through the ranks, and keeping an eye on their progress. Some make it to F1 themselves, others don't seem to have the same performance. I propose using this thread to keep tabs on them. To start off (including some obvious ones!

Marco Andretti (son of Michael Andretti, grandson of Mario Andretti). Champion in Formula Dodge (2003) and Skip Barber National (2004). 2010: 8th in IndyCar Series, retired from Le Mans 24 Hours

Jules Bianchi (great-nephew of Lucien Bianchi). Champion in French Formula Renault (2005) and Formula Three Euroseries (2009). 2010: 3rd in GP2 Series.

Alex Brundle (son of Martin Brundle). 2010: 13th in British Formula Three

Jack Clarke (stepson of Julian Bailey). 2010: 8th in Formula Two.

Conor Daly (son of Derek Daly). Champion in Skip Barber National (2008) and Star Mazda (2010).

Vanina Ickx (daughter of Jacky Ickx). 2010: 3rd in Le Mans Series, retired from Le Mans 24 Hours

Matthias Lauda (son of Niki Lauda). 2010: one race in Porsche Supercup.

Kevin Magnussen (son of Jan Magnussen). Champion in Danish Formula Ford (2008). 2010: 3rd in German Formula Three, race-winner in Formula Three Euroseries.

Greg Mansell (younger son of Nigel Mansell). 2010: 15th in Formula Renault 3.5, 9th in Le Mans Series, retired from Le Mans 24 Hours

Leo Mansell (elder son of Nigel Mansell). 2010: 9th in Le Mans Series, retired from Le Mans 24 Hours

Daisuke Nakajima (son of Satoru Nakajima, younger brother of Kazuki Nakajima). 2010: 11th in British Formula Three.

Kazuki Nakajima (son of Satoru Nakajima). Champion in Formula Toyota (2003). Competed in Formula One (2007-2009). Has not raced this year.

Jolyon Palmer (son of Jonathan Palmer). Champion in T Cars Autumn Trophy (2006). 2010: 2nd in Formula Two.

Nicolas Prost (son of Alain Prost). Champion in Euroseries 3000 (2008). 2010: 5th in Le Mans Series, appearances in GT1 World Championship, retired from 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Nico Rosberg (son of Keke Rosberg). Champion in German Formula BMW (2002) and GP2 Series (2005). 2010: 7th in Formula One.

Tomas Scheckter (son of Jody Scheckter, nephew of Ian Scheckter). Champion in European Formula Opel (1999). Formula One test driver for Jaguar (2001). 2010: 29th in IndyCar Series (part-time schedule).

Bruno Senna (nephew of Ayrton Senna). 2010: 23rd in Formula One.

Adrien Tambay (son of Patrick Tambay). 2010: 6th in Auto GP, appearances in GP3 Series.

Please add to this list!

Edited by midgrid, 06 October 2010 - 00:37.

#2 Tenmantaylor

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 00:42

Joshua Hill http://www.joshuahill.co.uk/ (Son of Damon Hill, Grandson of Graham Hill) 2010: 5th in British Formula Ford Championship http://www.britishfo.../2010points.htm

Edited by Tenmantaylor, 06 October 2010 - 00:42.

#3 Bleu

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 07:08

Nelsinho Piquet and Markus Winkelhock are missing...of course they raced in F1 already, but with Nakajima, Rosberg and Senna on the list they should be too.

Mostly they have missed their chance already. Of those who haven't driven in F1 yet, Tambay and Magnussen are probably most interesting prospects. But still long way to go for them. I would like to see both as regular drivers in GP3 next year, Adrian was temporary replacement and took a win with great tactical drive.

#4 lustigson

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 08:11

There already is a marvelous thread on the subject of fathers, sons, and other family relations in motorracing.

There have already several third-generation drivers, e.g.:

Théodore, André and Teddy Pilette
Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti
Al Sr, Al Jr and Al Unser III
Graham, Damon and Joshua Hill
Hans, Hans-Joachim and Johannes Stuck

#5 noikeee

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 11:33

Nelsinho Piquet and Markus Winkelhock are missing...of course they raced in F1 already, but with Nakajima, Rosberg and Senna on the list they should be too.

Mostly they have missed their chance already. Of those who haven't driven in F1 yet, Tambay and Magnussen are probably most interesting prospects. But still long way to go for them. I would like to see both as regular drivers in GP3 next year, Adrian was temporary replacement and took a win with great tactical drive.

Tambay was really poor last year in F3.. I'm not convinced.

#6 midgrid

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 12:59

There already is a marvelous thread on the subject of fathers, sons, and other family relations in motorracing.

There have already several third-generation drivers, e.g.:
Théodore, André and Teddy Pilette
Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti
Al Sr, Al Jr and Al Unser III
Graham, Damon and Joshua Hill
Hans, Hans-Joachim and Johannes Stuck

Oops, I didn't see that thread. Mods, please feel free to merge them. :blush:

#7 BenettonB192

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 13:27

Isn't one of Michael Schumacher's kids driving under a pseudonym?

#8 fauxhemian

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 13:47

I've been tracking Conor Daly as he is the best hope of an Irish-(sort of) driver making F1 and it would be nice to see him making it.

The next two years are so crucial and I'd like to see him get into GP2/3 series for next season. Status GP would have been an obvious route, but that seems to have cooled off.

Hopefully the mix of being fast, American and the spectre of an upcoming GP in Austin will conspire to get him a race seat.

#9 lustigson

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 13:52

And to answer the original question, 'can 2nd-generation racing drivers make it to F1?': I reckon that D.G.D Hill and J.J.C. Villeneuve were the ultimate proof that they can, notwitstanding several less succesful attempts, e.g. G. Brabham and D. Brabham or N.Â. Piquet.

#10 Bloggsworth

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 13:54

Johnny Cecotto and his eponymous son.

#11 BRG

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Posted 06 October 2010 - 20:02

Not a F1 champion, but World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist's son Tom is leading the UK F. Renault series this year and looks promising.

#12 KateLM

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 00:38

Not a F1 champion, but World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist's son Tom is leading the UK F. Renault series this year and looks promising.

Indeed he does. He might have the best shot of being the next Swede in F1 - I don't see Ericsson making it personally.

From the OP's list, the only ones I reckon we might see in F1 in the future are Bianchi and possibly Magnusson. Of course Rosberg and Senna are already there, and Kazuki Nakajima had his chance.

I will be frankly astounded if Alex Brundle, Matthias Lauda, Jack Clarke or either Mansell brother get anywhere close to an F1 seat. Sometimes even the name is not enough.

Tomas Scheckter and Vanina Ickx are also clearly too old to be F1 rookies now.

Edited by KateLM, 07 October 2010 - 00:38.

#13 pingu666

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 01:24

dario franquitti, and his bold brother marino, and that cousin paul di resta

first two won a few fairly important things last sunday

#14 Sausage

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 03:18

Max Verstappen (son of Jos Verstappen). 2010: Is doing KF3 karting and is still pretty young obviously. http://www.kartcrg-racingteam.com/en/

#15 William Hunt

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 04:20

Carlos Sainz Junior (son of former world rally champion Carlos Sainz): he is part of the Red Bull Driver Development program and is very competitive in the Europocup F. Renault 2.0.

Edited by William Hunt, 07 October 2010 - 04:21.

#16 The Ragged Edge

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 08:17

Very few are talented, all in top equipment and one of the things I hate in life is nepotism. It was pandemic in the media industry I once worked. Sainz Jr is average at best, as for Brundle Jr and the Mansell boys? :rotfl:

Do me a favour. :rolleyes:

They get exposure their skill level doesn't deserve and all the associated perks of having a famous racing name. The latest ones on the hype machine are Verstappen and Magnusson. The only one IMO who has genuine talent is Jolyon Palmer.

#17 KateLM

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 11:53

Very few are talented, all in top equipment and one of the things I hate in life is nepotism. It was pandemic in the media industry I once worked. Sainz Jr is average at best, as for Brundle Jr and the Mansell boys? Do me a favour. They get exposure their skill level doesn't deserve and all the associated perks of having a famous racing name. The latest ones on the hype machine are Verstappen and Magnusson. The only one IMO who has genuine talent is Jolyon Palmer.

Really? He's only won the T-Cars Autumn Trophy in terms of championships and lets be honest, he hasn't driven in exactly the most competitive series.

I know he was 2nd in this year's F2 but the field was mostly awful and he was one of only a few returnees. He wasn't any good in his first year, when the whole field was new to it.

Edited by KateLM, 07 October 2010 - 11:54.

#18 Rob

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 12:09

Stirling Moss, son of Alfred Moss, who drove in the Indy 500.

#19 midgrid

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 14:46

Isn't one of Michael Schumacher's kids driving under a pseudonym?

Yes, here's a picture of Mick:
Posted Image

As you can see he's racing under Corinna's maiden name (Betsch), and with a Fernando Alonso kart. :lol:

Edited by midgrid, 07 October 2010 - 14:47.

#20 SonnyViceR

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 15:00

The only one IMO who has genuine talent is Jolyon Palmer.

Orly?

The guy who keeps winning in meaningless series run by his own father?

Mansell brothers won't never get into proper single seater series (whatever Greg does in WSBR), but I really hope they continue next year with their Ginetta Zytek and do the full LMS programme + 24 hours. Despite the lucky LMP1 class win @ Hungaroring, it really wasn't a great season for Beechdean team. I'm sure Nigel and co do everything they can to secure the budget.

Edited by SonnyViceR, 07 October 2010 - 15:01.

#21 cheapracer

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 15:33

I can't understand why Christian Jones isn't there yet, he's 30 years old now so he had better get cracking.

He has a fine driving history including Asian F3 champ and many race wins in a wide range of cars including the hotly contested Porsche Supercup.

Son of Alan Jones of course.

#22 Risil

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 16:03

Very few are talented, all in top equipment and one of the things I hate in life is nepotism. It was pandemic in the media industry I once worked.

What's your opinion of nepotism in bike racing? Graziano Rossi was a world champion-level talent, but for an unfortunate road accident; surely his son Valentino can't be much, ability-wise. Kenny Roberts, Jr's world title must've been a fluke, he just got the right breaks because his dad was the all-time greatest bike racer. Leon Haslam's obviously a complete no-hoper, though, he couldn't even win the World Superbike championship this year.

Edited by Risil, 07 October 2010 - 16:04.

#23 Rob

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 16:34

What's your opinion of nepotism in bike racing? Graziano Rossi was a world champion-level talent, but for an unfortunate road accident; surely his son Valentino can't be much, ability-wise. Kenny Roberts, Jr's world title must've been a fluke, he just got the right breaks because his dad was the all-time greatest bike racer. Leon Haslam's obviously a complete no-hoper, though, he couldn't even win the World Superbike championship this year.;)

And then there's cross-discipline nepotism. Jaime Alguersuari Sr. was a motorcycle racer and competed in the world championship for a few years, in the 80cc class I think.

#24 The Oracle

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 19:18

Jimmy, Colin & Alisair Mcrae?

#25 The Oracle

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 19:20

I believe Valentino Rossi's father raced in his younger days as #46 was his dads race number.

#26 jee

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 19:45

Daniel Abt (nephew of Christian Abt, former DTM driver). 2010: 2nd in German F3 ATS Cup

#27 The Oracle

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 19:51

Sorry Risil just read your reply just above mine doh!

#28 LittleChris

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Posted 07 October 2010 - 20:34

More 3rd generation drivers - Antonio ( Grand Prix winner in 1925) , Alberto ( World Champ in 1952 & 53 ) and Tonino Ascari ( Believe he reached the level of F3 in the early sixties ).

#29 midgrid

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 18:55

Eddie Cheever (III) (son of Eddie Cheever (Jr.)). Competed in Formula Azzurra this year, took part in GP3 testing today.

#30 Villes Gilleneuve

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 20:11

Max Verstappen (son of Jos Verstappen). 2010: Is doing KF3 karting and is still pretty young obviously. http://www.kartcrg-racingteam.com/en/

just wait until he sees his first gravel trap.. ahhhh to be young again.

Lauda has been pretty unremarkable in DTM.

Edited by Villes Gilleneuve, 20 October 2010 - 20:11.

#31 Villes Gilleneuve

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 20:12

Yes, here's a picture of Mick:

As you can see he's racing under Corinna's maiden name (Betsch), and with a Fernando Alonso kart.

Just keep him away from Barichello Jr.

#32 Villes Gilleneuve

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 20:14

Whomever they are related to, I'll only be really impressed if the podium at the World Karting Championships.

Beyond that, money is a major factor to career advancement.

#33 holiday

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 20:43

One can follow Nicolas Prost's progress at http://www.prostfan.com/ , probably the best fan website on any f1 driver online.

#34 AlanWake

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 21:46

Yes, here's a picture of Mick:

As you can see he's racing under Corinna's maiden name (Betsch), and with a Fernando Alonso kart.

How ironic that Schumi's son is driving a kart with the name of one of the biggest rivals of his dad

#35 DanardiF1

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 22:27

Yes, here's a picture of Mick:

As you can see he's racing under Corinna's maiden name (Betsch), and with a Fernando Alonso kart.

Are there many kids though that can afford a several thousand £ Schuberth helmet though? And then have it painted in the same style as Michael Schumacher but blue?? And then put the Alonso Kart on top of that!!

#36 dav115

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Posted 20 October 2010 - 22:32

Yes, here's a picture of Mick:

As you can see he's racing under Corinna's maiden name (Betsch), and with a Fernando Alonso kart.

Those fronts look awfully narrow...maybe he could give his dad some tips on dialing out the understeer they cause?;)

#37 midgrid

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 19:31

Max Verstappen has won the World KF3 Karting Championship, after winning the European Championship earlier in the season. So far, so good.

#38 search

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 19:39

I had to remember this video :stoned:

http://www.crash.net...team-mates.html

#39 Frans

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 20:23

Max Verstappen Worldchamp :up:

5 more years and he can be there in F1, winning everything as well! Weeehoooooo! :clap:

#40 johnap

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 22:19

Kevin Magnussen, Jules Bianchi and Tom Blomquist are the most likely to make it to the top.

#41 rm111

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 22:23

I had to remember this video

http://www.crash.net...team-mates.html

#42 rhukkas

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 22:49

Just goes to show motorsport is about two things

1. Money
2. Who you know

One big motherfreakin' fake show

Fun though!

#43 nordschleife

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Posted 03 November 2010 - 22:55

And to answer the original question, 'can 2nd-generation racing drivers make it to F1?': I reckon that D.G.D Hill and J.J.C. Villeneuve were the ultimate proof that they can, notwitstanding several less succesful attempts, e.g. G. Brabham and D. Brabham or N.Â. Piquet.

By my reckoning Antonio Ascari's son, Alberto, by dint of greater achievement, provides the ultimate proof that 2nd generation drivers can indeed make it (and make it big) in F1.