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

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Four-time world champion Max Verstappen appears to have settled for another season at Red Bull Racing.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is gearing up to be one of the most intriguing campaigns in the sport’s history.

Design genius Adrian Newey believes every team will struggle with the new regulations, as both the aerodynamic and engine rules are changing.

It’s a huge undertaking, but it left many people questioning whether Max Verstappen would stand by Red Bull going into the sport’s next era.

Red Bull have lost the likes of Newey, Rob Marshall and Jonathan Wheatley, and this season, the Dutchman’s hopes of winning a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship are dwindling.

There are question marks over the work Pierre Wache is doing in Newey’s absence, and whether, after Christian Horner’s sacking, the team are in a strong enough position to build a championship-winning car in 2026.

Mercedes have been linked with Verstappen because many people in the paddock believe they might have the strongest power unit next season, and Toto Wolff has always been an admirer of the Dutchman.

However, Ralf Schumacher has now explained why he believes the 27-year-old has stuck by the team that have delivered him so much success throughout his career.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Ralf Schumacher praises Laurent Mekies and predicts Max Verstappen to stay at Red Bull

Schumacher was asked on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast about new team principal Laurent Mekies’ first race in charge of Red Bull and said: “I think Mekies did a great job this weekend.

“A completely different approach, and I really had that impression, and that’s why I believe that Max Verstappen will stay.

“Within the last few days, there has been a real jolt through the team, and Mekies is someone who lifts his drivers.

“Even Tsunoda was happy that he was here now. I also thought you could see that Tsunoda was doing a bit better over the weekend.

“So, that can make a difference, and accordingly, yes, that is a good start.

“Now, of course, we have to wait and see. But, I think it’s a bit like in football, where sometimes the coach doesn’t have the team behind him and vice versa and then a breath of fresh air comes along.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, but I think Mekies will do a great job.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Ralf Schumacher says Red Bull’s work behind the scenes was the ‘deciding factor’ in Max Verstappen staying

Schumacher then went on to talk about Verstappen’s contract situation and continued: “I think that the decision was made difficult, or rather it could have been difficult, because on the one hand, his heart is in Red Bull, with all the successes, all the years together and his gratitude towards Red Bull.

“But on the other hand, you are afraid of what will happen next, and I think that was the deciding factor in changing direction again, as they were trying to turn everything upside down and review it.

“And I think that impressed Max, and so I think it’s over now.

“I mean, it’s quite good for both sides. For Toto, he can keep the pressure on and maybe save some money.

“And for the other side, it’s just the case that he can keep the pressure up and maybe negotiate an additional payment for technical changes.”

It’s believed that Verstappen will still have a get-out clause in his contract next season that’s even more likely to activate.

The Race believes that if Verstappen is outside of the top two in the drivers’ championship by the summer break next year, he would be free to leave.

If a team, such as Mercedes or Aston Martin, nail the upcoming regulation set, then it’s extremely likely that Verstappen will have an easy way out.

The pressure now falls on Mekies’ shoulders to deliver a race-winning car in 2026 after navigating his first potential crisis in charge of Red Bull.