Ralf Schumacher considers Nyck de Vries' dismissal as a death sentence for his Formula 1 career. The German understands why the decision was made but also sees that De Vries is unlikely to return to the pinnacle of motorsport. Nonetheless, Schumacher believes that dismissing a driver in the middle of the season is not a great look for Red Bull.
On Tuesday, July 11, it was announced that De Vries would have to make way for Daniel Ricciardo. The Dutchman had a difficult start to the season, and many had high expectations for the talented 28-year-old from the very first race. While teammate Yuki Tsunoda has already scored points a few times, De Vries was perceived by Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko as performing poorly. "The decision is perhaps understandable," Schumacher tells Sky Deutschland. "But you also have to say that mid-season is not exactly a great look for Red Bull."
The German argues that AlphaTauri can certainly afford a driver change given their last place in the Constructors' Championship, but De Vries' career cannot. "It is definitely a death sentence for the guy. After this, he won't be able to find a place anywhere. That's my opinion," adds Michael Schumacher's brother. In the past, Schumacher has criticized Red Bull's previous driver decisions, including the choice not to hire his nephew Mick Schumacher, former Haas driver, instead of De Vries for the 2023 AlphaTauri seat.
Mick Schumacher has been overlooked for a Formula 1 seat for the second time now. AlphaTauri indicated that they had considered Schumacher earlier, but for the rest of the 2023 season, they will continue with the cheerful Australian driver. "Mick was available," says Schumacher. "But we've talked about this enough. For whatever reason, the decision was made against Mick."