Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that he was the man responsible for Mick Schumacher not being given a seat to drive for AlphaTauri in 2023 (now Racing Bulls).
After Schumacher lost his seat with Haas, there were a few opportunities elsewhere on the grid.
Pierre Gasly's exit from AlphaTauri opened up a seat with the team and Franz Tost was keen on bringing Schumacher in.
However, it was reported at the time that Marko blocked the move from happening.
Mick Schumacher is still hoping for a return to F1 next year
REUTERS
The Red Bull chief has now confirmed that he was the one who ultimately made the decision.
"It was correct," he said.
"This has nothing to do with him personally."
Marko added that Schumacher is "a very eloquent, well-educated, polite young man who has had his chances".
But he felt that Schumacher's previous role as a Ferrari junior didn't fit the 'overall appearance of AlphaTauri' and Red Bull as a whole.
Marko doesn't appear willing to change his mind either as the Red Bull advisor ruled out Schumacher driving for Racing Bulls in the near future.
"With Lawson, we have a very good junior in the queue.
"In Formula 2, we have (Isack) Hadjar, who is absolutely up there with the best.
"And in Formula 3, we have (Arvid) Lindblad, who is 16 years old."
Helmut Marko didn't think Mick Schumacher would fit at AlphaTauri
PA
Schumacher has returned to competitive racing this year in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
But after Lewis Hamilton's agreement with Ferrari was announced earlier this year, Schumacher admitted he was looking forward to holding talks with Mercedes about possibly replacing the seven-time world champion.
“It is of course a position that brings with it a lot of pressure," he said.
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"But in terms of feeling, I feel I’m up to it. But it’s not my decision.
“We will certainly be able to talk a little more in the next few days.
“My chance [to return] is there, I don’t know how big it is yet. I think it will also depend a bit on performance.
"Hopefully I can recommend myself. I think a few people out there know how good I am.”