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Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen’s recent actions have shown how much Red Bull are missing Helmut Marko’s presence.
Amid concern that Max Verstappen is growing sour with life in Formula One, there has been a lot of discussion about what Red Bull can do to keep the four-time world champion.
Verstappen does a lot for Red Bull, beyond just his responsibilities as a lead driver for the team. But his recent frustration could see him leaving as early as this year.
What do Red Bull need to do to convince Max Verstappen to stay in F1?
Max Verstappen has seen a lot of big names depart Red Bull over the last year, but perhaps no exit disappointed him more than that of Helmut Marko.
Marko reportedly still gives Red Bull advice when asked, but Ralf Schumacher believes his absence has played a big role in Verstappen’s recent public displays of frustration.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen demanded special Red Bull contract clause amid ‘apprehension’ about 2026 rules
Ralf Schumacher claims Max Verstappen’s behaviour shows Red Bull need Helmut Marko
Speaking on the latest episode of Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher reflected on Max Verstappen’s recent frustration, especially when it comes to the media.
He believes that Helmut Marko’s absence has led to Verstappen having to shoulder more stress over Red Bull’s current situation, and he needs to be taken away from the spotlight for his own sake.
“Helmut Marko, who then told him, ‘Come on, Max, we have to get through this together.’ Incidentally, he is also urgently needed at Red Bull, because at the moment, the only voice of reason is Max Verstappen, to be completely honest.
“You don’t hear anyone anymore. And that’s because it’s not Max’s job. You have to say that. He will be left alone there. He is in the spotlight, he is constantly being questioned. Now, there was apparently a complaint from the journalists.
“The journalists are becoming critical, but that’s logical, given his statements. As a journalist, you have to ask questions and one thing leads to another.
“That’s why I think Max urgently needs to be taken out of the spotlight a bit, because he stands alone as a press officer, racing driver, world champion, as everything.”
READ MORE: Ayao Komatsu shares why he’s ‘sure’ Max Verstappen will not leave F1 amid 2026 retirement talk
Was Max Verstappen right to kick out a reporter during his press conference?
Last year, the reporter asked Verstappen if his Spanish GP move on George Russell cost him the title.
Max Verstappen faces daunting season amid Red Bull struggles
The 2026 season has proven to be the biggest test of Max Verstappen’s career so far. But instead of most of his challenges coming on the track, it is his non-racing endeavours that are challenging him the most.
While Verstappen has the support of Mekies when it comes to his frustration with the team’s gap compared to their rivals, his hostile behaviour towards the press has made people question him.
Verstappen’s retirement threat hasn’t gone down well either, with some believing that the four-time world champion is leveraging his career to get changes made in his favour.
Hopefully, cooler heads can prevail, and Verstappen remains in Formula One for the foreseeable future. But there is no denying that the Dutch ace is in a very difficult position right now.
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