Ralf Schumacher hears Mercedes have a ‘major’ problem that could raise doubts over their F1 future

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Ralf Schumacher has revealed that Mercedes are currently in the midst of a “major” issue that could potentially raise doubts over their place on the Formula 1 grid in the future.

The eight-time constructors’ champions are one of the most successful F1 outfits from the sport’s modern era, with 2025 seeing them remain as the second-most valuable team on the grid behind Ferrari.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the strength of Mercedes F1 team’s parent company, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, as well as Audi’s owners, Volkswagen, regarding the recent austerity measures that both companies have taken.

It has created quite the stir in Germany, with F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher shedding more light on the behind-the-scenes happenings in Stuttgart and Wolfsburg.

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Ralf Schumacher has heard Mercedes-Benz Group are facing ‘major problems’ with cost-cutting measures

Speaking via Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher revealed what he had heard regarding the future of Mercedes amid concerns over the wider car manufacturing company’s recent cost-cutting measures.

F1 journalist Peter Hardanecke began by asking whether Volkswagen will be able to afford their position on the grid through Audi in the coming years, following reports that up to 100,000 jobs at the German brand could be slashed.

“That’s not just the case with VW, but with all major corporations at the moment,” Schumacher replied. He then brought Mercedes’ current issues into the fold with: “I believe the other Stuttgart-based company is also facing major problems in this regard right now.

“[Mercedes CEO] Ola Kallenius, from what I’ve heard, is facing quite a lot of criticism over cost-cutting measures. We’re seeing that everywhere in Germany at the moment. By now, 20,000 industrial jobs have gone down the drain. Unbelievably high figures.”

Kallenius has come under fire for the car manufacturer’s latest austerity measures, which included moving the workweek from 35 to 40 hours without extra pay to offset labour costs. It was swiftly met with protests from the company’s workforce.

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Schumacher then issued an ominous prediction for the German brand in the future, which seems inconceivable at this time. However, it is a genuine worry: “I’ve always said that, in the long run, even now after all this hype, Formula 1 will eventually lose a bit of its appeal.

“The value will go way down because I believe the figures are unrealistic, precisely for that reason. You can’t constantly run ahead of the economy.”