Red Bull F1 Faces Fury Over ‘Blunder’ in Driver Selection: Should Mick Schumacher Have Been Given a Chance?
In a shocking turn of events, Red Bull F1 is under fire after their controversial decision to sign Yuki Tsunoda, raising questions about their judgment in driver selection. The Milton Keynes powerhouse has decided to part ways with Sergio Perez at the conclusion of the 2024 season, instead placing their bets on junior driver Liam Lawson. However, just two races into the 2025 season, the Kiwi was deemed unfit for the role, leading the team to swiftly demote him back to Racing Bulls and elevate Tsunoda to the main lineup.
With only five races remaining in the 2025 season following the recent US Grand Prix, insiders suggest that Tsunoda’s future with Red Bull is already in jeopardy. The 25-year-old is increasingly seen as a placeholder, with whispers of Isack Hadjar being groomed as a potential successor. As the team’s advisor Helmut Marko evaluates his options for who will partner Max Verstappen next season, former F1 star Ralf Schumacher has openly criticized Red Bull’s failure to consider his nephew, Mick Schumacher, for a seat.
Mick Schumacher, the 26-year-old son of legendary driver Michael Schumacher, last graced the F1 tracks in 2022 with Haas. After losing his seat, he transitioned to a reserve driver role with Mercedes, where he remained until 2024. Subsequently, he announced his departure from the sport, expressing a desire to reclaim a full-time racing position. Feeling the adrenaline of competitive racing slip away, he ventured into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Alpine. Now, it appears another shift could be on the horizon for the young driver.
In a significant development, Schumacher recently participated in an IndyCar test at the Indianapolis infield circuit, raising the possibility of switching to North America’s premier single-seater series. Although there were speculations about his involvement with Cadillac’s F1 preparations, the confirmation of their 2026 lineup without his name has left many wondering if he has finally relinquished his dreams of returning to Formula 1.
Ralf Schumacher did not hold back in expressing his disapproval of Red Bull’s decision-making. On the Sky Germany Backstage Boxengasse podcast, he stated, “I can understand why he thought, ‘Formula 1 is going to be difficult for me, I’ll try something else.'” He further emphasized, “If you look at who is currently driving in Formula 1, Mick is definitely better than Yuki Tsunoda.” His remarks not only reflect disappointment in his nephew’s departure from F1 but also serve as a scathing critique of Red Bull’s current driver lineup.
Ralf concluded dramatically, “I don’t think America is a great choice. But the team bosses made a mistake not to pick him.” His words resonate with fans and analysts alike, igniting a fierce debate on whether Red Bull has made a critical error in overlooking Mick Schumacher, a driver with undeniable talent and legacy.
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, the implications of these decisions could reshape the landscape of the sport. Will Mick Schumacher find his way back to the pinnacle of motorsport, or will Red Bull’s gamble on Tsunoda and Lawson lead them to regret their choices? Only time will tell as the 2025 season winds down, and the future of these drivers hangs precariously in the balance.
