Ralf Schumacher on Red Bull Racing & Max Verstappen: “Something has broken”

The fact that Max Verstappen’s professional future is a constant topic of discussion in the Formula 1 paddock is not solely down to the Red Bull Racing star’s performances on the track. Off the track, too, the Dutchman’s comments on the new Formula 1 and his team’s performance repeatedly fuel fears that he will leave the Milton Keynes-based team in search of a more competitive car.

For Ralf Schumacher, one thing is clear: the relationship between the 28-year-old and his team has certainly been better. Speaking to ‘Sky Sport’, the former Grand Prix driver said: “Well, I think something has really broken down a bit, and this constant back-and-forth – ‘I’m leaving, I’m staying, I’m leaving, I’m staying’ – eventually becomes tiresome for the team.”

Ralf Schumacher warns: restructuring takes years

The German is highly critical of Red Bull Racing: “One thing is clear: the team hasn’t delivered. Last year, they were still managing the legacy of Adrian Newey and were able to fall back on it time and again. Now the car has got off to a very poor start; the update worked to some extent, but it’s a very difficult car to drive.”

That’s why he’s keen to see what the future holds. Commenting on the rumour that Verstappen could join McLaren, the six-time Grand Prix winner explains: “Lando Norris can win with that car. That means Max reckons he could be even better with it. The question is: has Max Verstappen lost faith in Red Bull Racing’s ability to deliver, or does he feel the team is taking too long? We mustn’t forget that either. A complete restructuring, as is the case at Red Bull Racing, takes several years.”

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