Ralf Schumacher thinks Max Verstappen ‘won’t stand a chance’ in 2026 unless he makes one change

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Ralf Schumacher has warned Max Verstappen that there’s a scenario during this upcoming Formula 1 season that could see him really struggle compared to his rivals.

One of the biggest concerns Max Verstappen will have going into the 2026 season is how competitive the RB22 is.

Red Bull are building their own engines for the first time, and while it’s believed they are one of two teams that have found a potential loophole, that doesn’t account for the overall power they’re capable of generating.

What do you make of Max Verstappen’s preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season?

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This is also the first regulation set Verstappen has entered with Red Bull, where Adrian Newey has had no input in the design of the car.

The 2026 regulations are going to see the aerodynamics of the cars change, as well as different modes that can be used throughout a race.

The Racing Bulls car has already raised some eyebrows, and Ralf Schumacher has suggested that if Red Bull’s car isn’t designed perfectly with Verstappen’s driving style in mind, then he ‘won’t stand a chance’

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Ralf Schumacher warns Max Verstappen he might need to change his driving style

Schumacher was speaking about how the ruleset changes might impact how each driver approaches the season on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast.

He explained: “It gets interesting with Max Verstappen, because he puts his all into everything and is fast right from the start, because he’s constantly on the simulator and so on.

“In theory, [Fernando] Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are also problem children in this regard. Of course, it might not suit them at all, and then it becomes a huge issue.

“That’s how it is with these drivers. I think Charles Leclerc is also determined enough to get to grips with it pretty quickly.

“But still, if the concept, if the car suddenly generates brutal understeer, let’s say like in Max Verstappen’s case, and it’s just not possible in terms of design [to fix].

“If that’s always the case, then Max will have to change his driving style. If he doesn’t, he’ll overload the front tyres, and then he won’t stand a chance.

“Yes, and that’s why it will be really interesting to see which driver does it best.”

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

Max Verstappen’s lack of simulator time could cost him dearly during the 2026 F1 season

Verstappen is one of the most adaptable drivers on the grid, but has never been a fan of an understeering car.

He’s previously said that an understeery car can’t be fast, and Red Bull have followed his direction for years, creating cars that are so responsive at the front that his teammates have barely been able to cope.

The regulation changes could force Verstappen to adapt in a direction he doesn’t like, but his experience driving other cars, such as the GT3, will give him a small advantage over the rest of the field.

Verstappen hasn’t done much simulator work, which could mean the RB22 will surprise him when he first starts testing in Barcelona.

His rivals will be hoping that he gets off to a slow start, but there’s very little evidence from the past 11 years that he’ll struggle once the lights go out in Melbourne.