Lando Norris
McLaren
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Williams
Racing Bulls
Aston Martin
Haas
Alpine
Ralf Schumacher has revealed what Max Verstappen told Red Bull in response to their offer of a contract extension that would see him remain as a driver for the Austrian constructor until the end of the 2032 F1 season.
It was previously reported that Max Verstappen held a meeting in Austria with Red Bull’s top brass, in which the Dutchman didn’t want to discuss his future at the team at all.
If you were Toto Wolff, would you sign Max Verstappen to replace George Russell?
Explain your choice in the comments
However, according to F1 pundit Ralf Schumacher, discussions over the 28-year-old’s future at Milton Keynes were brought up, with an apparent offer of a six-year contract extension being tabled for Verstappen.
- READ MORE: Toto Wolff just lived up to his threat to Max Verstappen’s ‘greedy’ agent with 2027 Mercedes offer
Ralf Schumacher claims Max Verstappen ‘refused’ Red Bull’s offer of a contract extension
Speaking via the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, the former F1 driver shed some light on what he has heard regarding Verstappen’s recent meeting in Austria with higher-ups from the energy drinks company.
Who other than Max Verstappen could Oscar Piastri have chosen as his toughest opponent?
“I get the feeling that Oliver Mintzlaff has faded into the background a bit,” he began, referencing Red Bull’s managing director, who took more of a lead role following Christian Horner and Helmut Marko’s exits last year.
“You don’t see him around. I reckon Mark Mateschitz has now made [development] a top priority, that’s why Max Verstappen was in Austria. I get the feeling they’ve lost a bit of trust in each other; Max’s trust that Red Bull can actually build a car.
“I’ve heard they were desperate for Max to sign a contract until 2032. Max apparently refused and said, ‘Well, I don’t need that right now; I’m on contract until 2028 anyway, so I’d rather wait and see.'”
Schumacher is now under the impression that Verstappen’s refusal has played into the hands of Oscar Piastri, who has been linked with a Red Bull move heavily in the past.
“This has ultimately led to, or so you hear, Mark Webber and Mark Mateschitz, who know each other quite well from back in the day, apparently negotiating behind the scenes,” the German continued.
“It’s clear who they’re talking about: Oscar Piastri. Of course, the team also needs a backup in case Max says one morning, ‘I’ve had enough’ or ‘I’m off somewhere else’ – all these things can happen, which is understandable from Red Bull’s point of view.
- READ MORE: Red Bull already know the extra consequences they’ll face if Max Verstappen triggers his exit clause
Red Bull are expected to bring a ‘completely’ new car to the Austrian Grand Prix
It isn’t all doom and gloom for Red Bull Racing fans, however, with Schumacher also noting that the RB22 is set to receive a major overhaul ahead of the F1 outfit’s home race at the Austrian Grand Prix.
“For the Red Bull Ring, we’re expecting a new car, virtually a completely new car, which is said to be eight kilos lighter,” he said. “That alone would mean a gain of almost two tenths. Two tenths that they desperately need, but that’s not the only factor.
“The Red Bull Ring circuit will suit the car a bit better, because kerb riding isn’t really an issue there. Aerodynamically, it’s been good so far, but the problem at the moment is what’s happening within the team.”
Receive exclusive F1 news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
