Red Bull’s driver decisions under fire from Ralf Schumacher
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has slammed Red Bull Racing for how they’re handling their drivers, calling the decision to promote Yuki Tsunoda instead of keeping Liam Lawson a mistake.
Speaking with Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher didn’t hold back about Lawson’s situation.
“You are replaced like a wet rag after two races. That’s harsh.”
But his criticism went deeper than just Lawson’s treatment.
“I’m amazed at what Helmut Marko’s doing with the Racing Bulls now. Because, to be honest, there are enough young drivers who could have been put there.”
Schumacher actually thinks Lawson shouldn’t have been in the car to begin with.
“I wouldn’t have put Liam Lawson in a Formula 1 car now. I would have preferred to give the chance directly to a young driver – there are plenty on hold.”
He didn’t mince words about Lawson’s potential either.
“One thing is also clear: he will probably never become a top rider, and in such a situation you can go to the next one in line and try your luck.”
The German puts the blame squarely on Red Bull’s leadership team – Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.
“Red Bull must now urgently draw conclusions from the whole thing. I think there’s just no harmony there anymore.”
He believes Horner has made serious missteps.
“Christian Horner also seems to have been wrong to remain in his position. In my opinion, he backed the wrong horses, lost the good people – and this is the result now. So in the management area, that was and is really bad.”
Marko didn’t escape criticism either, despite his history of finding young talent.
“Red Bull invests so much time and money in building up young drivers, and Dr. Marko often has a lucky hand,” Schumacher acknowledged.
“But now I have to say, this is not a total failure, but it’s not far from it. Dr. Helmut Marko pushed Liam Lawson too far into it. Two races are just not enough for a young driver. One should have worked more with him.”
His conclusion was blunt: “The whole thing is senseless.”
Tsunoda not the right choice for Red Bull
Tsunoda will join Max Verstappen starting with the Japanese Grand Prix, but Schumacher doesn’t think the Japanese driver is up to the task.
Instead, he sees Nico Hulkenberg as the better option to partner with the world champion.
“Personally, however, I don’t see any juniors being next to Max at the moment.”
