Ralf Schumacher says Max Verstappen’s 2026 F1 complaints aren’t ‘fair on his teammates’

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Max Verstappen has been extremely vocal about the 2026 Formula 1 regulations and his future in the sport, and Ralf Schumacher has criticised him for the impact it could have on his teammates.

The four-time champion is not enjoying the 2026 F1 regulations at all, complaining about the electrical aspect of the new power units. Verstappen has been outqualified twice by teammate Isack Hadjar thus far as he sits ninth in the standings with 12 points.

Verstappen described the new rules as ‘anti-driving’ at the Japanese GP, where he finished eighth behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly. The Dutchman has constantly bashed the 2026 regulations as he struggles to get to grips with the RB22.

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It has led to speculation about his future in F1, with Verstappen putting an exit clause in his contract that can be activated this season due to his ‘apprehension’ with the regulations.

It has even been suggested that Verstappen could walk away from F1 mid-season and take on an ambassador role. But Schumacher has told him to be a ‘team player’ and help improve the car, as his complaints are not fair on his teammates.

Ralf Schumacher tells Max Verstappen to put his ‘ego aside’ and be a ‘team player’ to help Red Bull

Red Bull are already thinking about scrapping the RB22 after losing ‘trust’ in the car. It highlights Schumacher’s point even more that Verstappen needs to help the team improve the package, as it could damage Hadjar and the Racing Bulls drivers.

“Well, my view is that the focus right now should be on Max Verstappen’s team. Yes, I mean, there are teams that can win, so he can too,” he said via Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse.

“He just needs to work with the team to build the car to do that. That’s obviously the added frustration. I reckon if he were to win now, of course, he still wouldn’t particularly like it, but it would be easier for him, and we’d hear less about it.

“So that’s what he needs to show now: putting his own ego aside, because he’s well paid for it, after all, and just play the team player for now. That’s what’s important right now.

“And after that, I reckon you can keep on, keep playing that record over and over again. Dad might still come along, but it’s not fair on his teammates.

“Because, I mean, at some point, Red Bull and the like will naturally start wondering, ‘Well, he’s been saying all this time, he’s not in the mood, now he’s still driving around the Nordschleife, then he wants to drive at Le Mans.

“Is he even still the one who’s giving it his all to pull the car out of the mire?’ So the question is, I think he needs to be careful.”

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

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies addresses Max Verstappen’s exit rumours

The damaging effect that Verstappen leaving Red Bull would have on the team cannot be understated. After the Japanese GP, he is seriously considering walking away from F1.

Laurent Mekies does not think Verstappen will leave Red Bull if the FIA change the rules with the 2026 engines. The Dutchman has called for a change to the regulations, and it could be what decides his F1 career.

Verstappen had an ‘unprecedented’ meeting with Mekies and Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase on his private jet after the race in Suzuka. He is looking to see where the team are in terms of improving the RB22.

If the 28-year-old was winning in 2026, it is unlikely that his opinion would change about the new rules and car. Unless changes are made by the governing body, it is entirely possible that this season could be Verstappen’s last.