Franz Tost makes a shocking claim, reveals Mick Schumacher was ‘rejected’ at AlphaTauri

Franz Tost says there is nothing left to discuss regarding Mick Schumacher's future at AlphaTauri.

Franz Tost makes a shocking claim, reveals Mick Schumacher was ‘rejected’ at AlphaTauri

Franz Tost & Mick Schumacher (Images via Insider & Sporting News)

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost had an important decision to make at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season. A spot opened up in Alpine due to Fernando Alonso’s departure, and AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly left his team to join the French outfit for the 2023 season. Tost was left only with Yuki Tsunoda and was on the hunt for the second driver. 

In an interview with the YouTube channel Formel1.de, Franz Tost admitted that he was in favor of bringing Mick Schumacher to AlphaTauri. Schumacher left Haas at the end of the 2022 season and did not have a seat. While Tost pushed the team to sign the German driver, Red Bull had other plans. They wanted Nyck de Vries and dismissed the idea of Schumacher. However, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff signed Mick as their reserve driver for the 2023 season. 

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Franz Tost stated, “It was originally clear that our driver pairing would be Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. Then suddenly Pierre was assigned to Alpine, and as a result, a place was free with us. Until Monza, it was completely unclear who would be our driver. And I logically thought of Mick Schumacher. But that has just been rejected. We are now driving with Nyck de Vries and there is actually nothing left to discuss.”

Related: Helmut Marko bashes sacking rumors, says Sergio Perez’s place ‘has never been in jeopardy’ at Red Bull

Helmut Marko might have played a role in rejecting Mick Schumacher for the AlphaTauri seat

Mick Schumacher (Image via F1)
Mick Schumacher (Image via F1)

Franz Tost believes in Mick Schumacher’s potential despite his bad run in Haas. He believes that the 24-year-old is better than how he is perceived outside and wanted to give him a chance to drive for AlphaTauri. However, things did not turn out that way. Schumacher’s uncle, Ralf, blamed the Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko for not signing his nephew. He firmly believes that Marko has personal reasons for picking Nyck de Vries over Mick Schumacher. 

When Ralph’s claims were brought to Marko’s attention, he dismissed them quickly. He said he did not have any problem with the Schumacher name. Marko also revealed that he considers Mick’s father and seven-time world champion Micheal Schumacher, one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1. He added that there was no personal reason. 

Helmut Marko is not satisfied with de Vries’ performance so far.  This has fuelled rumors in Germany regarding Schumacher’s move to AlphaTauri. But Marko revealed that Mick is not on their list as he is also under contract with Mercedes. As per the reports, Red Bull would favor Liam Lawson to drive for AlphaTauri next season if de Vries fails to deliver. However, the season is long, and the 28-year-old has a chance to prove himself worthy of the seat. 

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