Despite scoring points in three of the last four races,
Franz Tost claims Nico Hulkenberg is “past his prime” and instead advocates for
Mick Schumacher to be in the Sauber next season.
But the former Toro Rosso team boss also believes
Schumacher would be a better choice than the newly-signed Gabriel Bortoleto.
Nico Hulkenberg out? Mick Schumacher in? Franz Tost says
yes please
Hulkenberg has
been Haas’ standout driver this season, scoring 31 of the team’s 46 points
which has elevated them to seventh in the Constructors’ Championship. As things
stand, that’s their best position since 2018.
He did blot his copybook at the wet Brazilian Grand Prix
when he became the first F1 driver in over 17 years to be disqualified during a
race after marshals helped free his Haas when it became stuck on a drain at
Interlagos. He was disqualified for receiving outside assistance.
It meant for the first time in four races the German, who
is off to Sauber next season, failed to score a point on a Grand Prix weekend
as a gearbox issue put him out of the Saturday Sprint.
But if you ask Tost, Hulkenberg should no longer be on
the grid.
“The last few races have shown that Nico Hülkenberg is
past his prime and, in my opinion, no longer belongs in Formula 1,” he
told F1-Insider.com.
Instead, the long-time Schumacher supporter believes it
would be “better” for Sauber, who will be rebranded Audi in 2026, to “rely on a
young German like Mick Schumacher.
“I would play the German card, especially in these difficult times. That is the best way to get employees who are critical of Formula 1 back on board.”
