The most debated topic ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix is, unsurprisingly, the Yuki Tsunoda – Liam Lawson swap, with the New Zealander returning to Racing Bulls after just two races at Red Bull and the Japanese driver being promoted to Milton Keynes. This decision is sparking widespread controversy, given the repetitive nature of such moves by Marko and Horner, with the risk that Tsunoda’s stint at Red Bull could also end in failure.
Regardless of that, the ideal candidate for Max Verstappen’s teammate should have been someone else—at least according to Ralf Schumacher. Now a pundit for *Sky Deutschland*, the German has accused Red Bull of making a fundamental mistake by not considering his compatriot, Nico Hülkenberg, one of the most experienced drivers on the grid.
With over 200 career starts (despite having only one pole position and no wins), the current Sauber driver should have been seriously considered for the 2025 season. Instead, Red Bull chose to back Lawson and, consequently, its Junior Team drivers. “The mistake, from the beginning, was not putting Nico Hülkenberg in the car,” Schumacher reiterated. “Apparently, Christian Horner didn’t want him. That’s what I heard. They needed a clear and experienced number two alongside Max Verstappen. Nico would have been perfect—fast and solid in both Qualifying and the Race. This was the big mistake. I think Christian Horner wanted Franco Colapinto, but the Argentine driver removed himself from the list of candidates. At that point, Marko decided to bet on their young drivers, but in two races, they’ve only had total failures. At the moment, I don’t see a young driver close to Max Verstappen.”
It’s likely that Nico Hülkenberg’s candidacy had been suggested or supported multiple times by Max Verstappen himself. The Dutchman and the German share a strong relationship developed over the years.
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