Dash through AlphaTauri for Schumacher: 'Focus on own talent pool'

Mick Schumacher had to leave Haas F1 at the end of last season and landed as a test and reserve driver at Mercedes. The German wants to return to the F1 grid for another year in 2024, but the question is whether that will work out. Options are scarce and a line through AlphaTauri as a possible new destination seems possible.

Franz Tost is a fan of Schumacher. The departing AlphaTauri team boss already hinted once that he would have preferred to give Schumacher the chance instead of Nyck de Vries. Helmut Marko, however, opted for the Dutchman, although - as we know - it was not a resounding success.

AlphaTauri not an option (anymore)

Schumacher was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy for many years, but he left there to make the move to Mercedes. Is the Red Bull family the third (top) team he could go to? According to Peter Bayer, CEO of AlphaTauri, the chances of his team signing up for Schumacher are very slim.

"We currently have a large pool of young talents that we are keeping an eye on. I think our focus is definitely on our own talent pool, but you never know in this sport," Bayer said in conversation with Motorsport-Magazin. This year, there are six (!) Red Bull juniors competing in Formula 2, all hoping for a promotion to AlphaTauri in motorsport's king class. Moreover, Liam Lawson, the replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo at Zandvoort and at least Monza, is also a Red Bull junior.

New chance for Schumacher?

Bayer hopes Schumacher will get another chance to prove he has grown stronger from his forced departure from Haas F1. "If Daniel [Ricciardo] had not set the times at the test at Silverstone, he would not be in the car. I think that's where the challenge for Mick lies: how can he prove he has the speed? If Toto [Wolff] doesn't put Mick in the car at some point, like we put Daniel in the car, then it will be difficult."