Mick Schumacher defended in astonishing 'better than Tsunoda, Lawson and Colapinto' claim

Ralf Schumacher has sensationally claimed his nephew, Mick Schumacher, is "better than" Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto.

The six-time grand prix winner took aim at the trio ahead of the United States Grand Prix, arguing they could even be "significantly worse" options than the former Haas driver.

All three are at risk of losing their seats in F1, with either Lawson or Tsunoda potentially having to make way for Arvid Lindblad in the Red Bull family next season.

Isack Hadjar is expected to be placed alongside Max Verstappen at the main team, leaving one seat available at Racing Bulls in that scenario.

Meanwhile, Colapinto is in an equally precarious situation at Alpine. The Argentine driver has been under fire since assuming the drive from Jack Doohan six rounds into the season.

The 22-year-old is believed to be in direct competition with Team Enstone reserve driver Paul Aron for the seat in 2026.

Last year, Schumacher was thought to be in contention to partner Pierre Gasly, but the aforementioned Doohan was ultimately given the nod.

The 26-year-old raced in F1 for two seasons at Haas, but failed to impress, particularly when paired with Kevin Magnussen in his second campaign, 2022.

In addition to experiencing some high-profile and costly crashes for the cash-strapped American squad, he was unable to provide points as consistently as his Danish team-mate.

He was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at the end of the year and has spent the past three seasons fighting to return to a full-time seat, with stints as Mercedes reserve and with Alpine in endurance racing.

To his uncle, however, he is worthy of a second chance — and more talented than at least three drivers currently in drives.

"If you understand somewhat how I think about it, and if you also look at the careers of current drivers in Formula 1, I am of the opinion that Mick would at least be better than Yuki Tsunoda," the former Jordan, Williams, and Toyota driver said on Sky Sport Germany's F1 podcast, Backstage Boxengasse.

"And he is also, in my opinion, better than Liam Lawson... And Franco Colapinto started super strong, but so far, he hasn't shown the development he should have.

"And that's why I say all three are worse than Mick from my point of view, even significantly worse. Therefore, I cannot understand it at all. But now people will say again, 'of course it's that uncle'."

There were rumours Schumacher had been offered a role with Cadillac, to dovetail an endurance programme with F1 reserve duties, similar to his position with Alpine.

However, the son of seven-time F1 drivers' champion Michael is understood to have turned down the opportunity.

Instead, he has set his sights on the United States, and a recent IndyCar test for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Whilst RLL has already confirmed its driver line-up for 2026, it could open doors for Schumacher down the line.

But his uncle is not convinced, adding: "I don't think America is a great choice. But the team bosses made a mistake by not calling on him."