Mick Schumacher wants to continue in Formula 1 as a reserve driver for Mercedes. As AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost recently hinted in an interview with RTL/ntv, the 23-year-old almost ended up at the Red Bull satellite. Dr Helmut Marko has now explained why the choice ultimately fell on Nyck de Vries.
Mick Schumacher came up empty in Formula 1’s search for a regular cockpit. Yet the German played a role in AlphaTauri’s considerations.
“For me personally, he was already a target,” team boss Franz Tost recently revealed in an interview with RTL/ntv, adding: “I would actually have liked to have Mick in the car.”
Tost was vague about the reasons why these thoughts did not become reality.
“There were other circumstances,” said the 67-year-old, “political reasons,” after all Mick Schumacher had been a Ferrari junior.
The former Haas driver was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in recent years. Mick Schumacher eventually worked his way up to Formula 1 via the talent factory. After two seasons for Haas, the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher had to look for a new job.
As Red Bull motorsport boss Dr Helmut Marko now explained in an exclusive interview with RTL/ntv with Felix Görner, it had been assumed that Mick Schumacher would remain part of the Ferrari family.
“As a result, he was never really in our focus,” the 79-year-old described. Due to its own philosophy, AlphaTauri’s choice ultimately fell on Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman had won the Formula 2 title in 2019. Via Formula E, he finally made the leap into Formula 1.
Marko does not write off Mick Schumacher
In motorsport’s premier category, de Vries is part of the Red Bull universe. For Mick Schumacher, on the other hand, it’s on to Mercedes. The German hopeful acts as a substitute driver for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the Silver Arrows.
“If he gets his chance, then he has to take it,” said Marko when asked about possible assignments in the coming season. “The third year should then bring him the breakthrough,” Marko elaborated.
The Red Bull boss referred to Mick Schumacher’s strong sixth place at the last Austrian GP. “A very good performance,” judged Marko.
So Mick Schumacher still has every chance in Formula 1.
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