Mick Schumacher’s future in Formula 1 appears to be at a critical juncture, with AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost issuing a major warning about the German driver’s chances of making a comeback to the sport.
After being dropped by Haas at the end of the previous season, Schumacher failed to secure a full-time drive for the 2023 season, putting his F1 career in jeopardy.
Tost emphasized the urgency for Schumacher to grab any race seat opportunity that comes his way, as competition for seats in Formula 1 is high, leaving little time for him to choose.
Tost stated, “It doesn’t matter which team, if the opportunity arises, he has to take it. He won’t have the opportunity to choose for long.”
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The AlphaTauri team principal revealed that he had advocated for Red Bull to consider Schumacher for a seat in their lineup.
However, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, ultimately chose Nyck de Vries instead, citing the lack of available options at the time.
Tost had previously supported Schumacher due to his Formula One experience but now acknowledges that there are no openings at AlphaTauri.
“We are occupied. We have a few young drivers coming on – some talents from the Red Bull driver pool. We will definitely fall back on them,” Tost explained, highlighting the team’s current driver situation.
Despite the setback, Tost believes that Mercedes, where Schumacher serves as a reserve driver and conducts simulator work, could offer him a pathway to revive his career.
Tost praised Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s connections and expects that he will do everything possible to secure a race seat for Schumacher sooner or later.
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“He (Wolff) is super well connected. I think he’ll do everything to ensure that Mick gets a seat sooner or later,” Tost affirmed, acknowledging Wolff’s influence and support.
Mick Schumacher himself expressed readiness for a racing return when questioned about his future in the sport during the Canadian Grand Prix. Eager to make a comeback, Schumacher stated, “I’m always ready.
Believe me, I’m working very hard to hopefully be back in the car soon. By next year at the latest, it should be that time again. I’m sure something will develop in the near future.”