Ralf Schumacher says Max Verstappen has just seen clear evidence that Red Bull won’t ‘turn things around’

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen would ideally love to finish his career at Red Bull. He’s formed a bond with the team who made him the youngest F1 driver in the history of the sport.

Many ridiculed the signing of Verstappen, who was just 17 and far from the top of the junior ladder. But Red Bull recognised that this was truly a once-in-a-generation driver.

A grateful Verstappen says it would be ‘amazing’ to stay at Red Bull until he retires. But he will also recognise that he’s one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history, and needs a car worthy of his talents.

At this stage, it’s unclear whether the team can provide that long-term. He’s third in the world championship this year, but Christian Horner’s removal hasn’t assuaged the doubts about Red Bull’s prospects for 2026 and beyond.

Max Verstappen told the British GP was confirmation of Red Bull’s trajectory

Speaking to F1-Insider, Sky Germany pundit Ralf Schumacher said Verstappen will prioritise his own career above his ‘loyalty’. And he may see Red Bull’s performance at Silverstone as evidence that Red Bull are in deep trouble.

While Verstappen scored his fourth pole position of the season, he slid backwards during the race as an extreme set-up gamble (prioritising top speed over downforce). He recovered well from a highly uncharacteristic spin, but he could still only manage fifth.

With teammate Yuki Tsunoda finishing last for the second consecutive race, it’s clear that the team are overreliant on Verstappen to drive around the car’s volatile handling.

“I think Silverstone showed Max that Red Bull won’t be able to turn things around despite all their efforts,” Schumacher said. “In the end, it’s about his career, not loyalty. If Mercedes shows him they’re doing everything they can to get him, he’ll switch.”

Verstappen can solve an ‘unpleasant’ problem for leading suitors Mercedes if he does join, Schumacher adds. They’re currently a long way behind engine customers McLaren, so may need a driver talented enough to bridge the gap.

“It’s not pleasant for Mercedes to currently lose to McLaren – who, after all, use the same engine,” he said. “With Max, they could turn the balance of power again in 2026.”

Red Bull could make controversial Max Verstappen move amid Mercedes interest

Verstappen still hasn’t committed to Red Bull even after they made the seismic decision to axe Horner. The embattled team may have been trying to prove their willingness to take drastic action.

Up to now, Verstappen feels he hasn’t been adequately listened to when raising concerns about the car. Perhaps that will be different in the Laurent Mekies regime.

Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract that could become active after the Hungarian Grand Prix if he slips out of the top three. But F1-Insider say that’s of little importance – if he wants to move, ‘Red Bull will not put any obstacles in his way’.

Indeed, it would be a source of controversy if they refused to let him go after 10 historic years. Verstappen has won four championships at Red Bull, making this one of the most successful combinations the sport has ever seen.