Ralf Schumacher has now changed his mind about Max Verstappen joining Mercedes amid Red Bull woes

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While Ralf Schumacher expected Max Verstappen to join Mercedes in the past, the rise of Kimi Antonelli has convinced him it won’t happen.

Verstappen’s frustration with Red Bull’s issues has been no secret. The four-time world champion is not enjoying the best start to the season.

Because of this frustration, there has been some talk about Verstappen leaving Red Bull to join Mercedes in the near future.

Is Toto Wolff planting the seeds for poaching Max Verstappen from Red Bull? 🤔

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Some believe that Mercedes’ strong start to the season will convince Toto Wolff not to sign Verstappen, but the possibility hasn’t been ruled out.

However, Ralf Schumacher, who guaranteed Max Verstappen would leave Red Bull for Mercedes in the past, has decided he doesn’t expect it to happen anymore.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher urges Max Verstappen to accept ‘team leader’ role for Red Bull

Ralf Schumacher says Max Verstappen won’t leave ‘sinking’ Red Bull for Mercedes

Ralf Schumacher spoke to F1 Insider in a recent interview, where he was asked about Max Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes in the future.

While Schumacher backed Verstappen to leave Red Bull in the past to join Mercedes, the rise of Kimi Antonelli, along with the financial implications of signing Verstappen, will likely dissuade Toto Wolff from making the move now.

“For me, it’s not clear at all. Verstappen himself has stated his preference for retiring with Red Bull, ideally. I would almost doubt that Mercedes still has much interest in signing him. Kimi Antonelli has now become their future hope.

“As for Toto Wolff, he now has the fastest car on the grid once again. He has always said that the driver’s job is to drive the car, ours is to fine-tune the car and build the best car possible.

“It’s also the cheapest option to choose Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen. I don’t think we need to discuss the huge financial difference between Verstappen and George Russell’s salaries.

“I think Max won’t abandon ship, even if it is a sinking ship. I believe Red Bull will now try to rebuild their staff. It’s possible Jonathan Wheatley might return, because they need highly skilled personnel. But long story short, I don’t think Verstappen will join Mercedes.”

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher pinpoints ‘deciding factor’ that convinced Max Verstappen to choose Red Bull over Mercedes

Martin Brundle doubts Max Verstappen will still be in F1 in 10 years’ time. When do you think he will leave?

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Max Verstappen’s loss of dominance will put pressure on Red Bull

While Schumacher expected Verstappen to be swayed by Wolff earlier, Mercedes’ success this season, along with Verstappen’s struggles, has convinced him that the ship has sailed.

And even though he doesn’t expect the Dutch ace to leave Red Bull, that doesn’t mean Verstappen’s season is going to turn around.

In fact, Verstappen is likely to struggle at the Japanese Grand Prix if Red Bull’s planned upgrades don’t make much of a difference.

Even if the threat of Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes isn’t imminent, the team must do everything in their power to turn their situation around.