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Ralf Schumacher has shared the latest regarding the ongoing rift between Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, noting that the Austrian drinks company’s top brass are taking his indecisiveness “very badly”.
After a strong showing at Red Bull’s home race during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, where Max Verstappen secured a season-best P2 finish, the Milton Keynes-based F1 outfit were immediately grounded upon their return to action at Silverstone.
With it being the first anniversary of Christian Horner’s final race at the helm of Red Bull Racing, one would be forgiven if they thought not much had changed at the frontrunning F1 team since.
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Verstappen has been linked with McLaren, but could also retire or take a sabbatical
Verstappen severely lacked race pace, with his British Grand Prix culminating in a late off that saw the four-time world champion retire from the race in front of his former title rival’s loyal fans.
His dissatisfaction with the calibre of car underneath him was evident in his post-race comments, which have only added fuel to the rumours regarding his future in the sport that surrounds Verstappen and Red Bull’s efforts.
Ralf Schumacher reveals latest on Max Verstappen’s exit saga at Red Bull
Speaking via Backstage Boxengasse, F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher spoke on the recent rumours linking Verstappen with a move to McLaren, as well as the increasingly fractured relationship that the Dutchman has with his team.
“The rumours are mounting,” the six-time Grand Prix winner said. “There’s a lot of talk in the paddock that the agreement is a bit, if not completely, frayed. He doesn’t trust them anymore. The team’s management was there, but left early.
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“From what I’ve gathered, they also took it very badly that Max Verstappen didn’t make it clear at the Red Bull Ring, when everyone was there, that he was waiving that clause – the option to pull out. I think that’s ultimately led to Red Bull looking around for alternatives right now.”
It was previously reported that Red Bull had tabled an offer to Verstappen ahead of the race weekend in Spielberg, an offer that the 28-year-old swiftly rejected. It’s not just a problem of competitiveness, but apparently a “breach of trust”, according to Schumacher.
“After the weekend, following Max’s retirement once again, there was another issue,” the German continued. “It seems that internally, Max has completely different ideas about how and when to use the battery, as well as his own views on the setup.
“The team is now apparently insisting that things be done exactly as they say. So there’s now a disagreement, and that naturally constitutes a certain breach of trust between the driver and the team.
“Things are actually falling apart a bit more at the moment. Lambiase is leaving the team. He apparently no longer has the influence he once had; there’s a lot going on right now.”
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