According to Ralf Schumacher, concerns are growing within the Red Bull team about Max Verstappen’s long-term future with the outfit. Schumacher believes that the Milton Keynes-based team are worried that the four-time world champion could eventually walk away.
These comments have emerged during one of Red Bull’s most challenging seasons in recent years. Verstappen has had a frustrating start to the season, with the team unable to consistently challenge the dominance of rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.
The Dutchman has also continued to voice his concerns about the future direction of Formula 1 under the sport’s upcoming regulations.
The Monaco setback added to the growing frustrations
Verstappen arrived in Monaco hoping to build momentum after a challenging start to the season.
Although he secured a front-row starting position in qualifying, his race lasted only a single lap before a mechanical issue forced him to retire, extending a run of disappointing results for both driver and team.
After six race weekends, Verstappen sits seventh in the drivers’ championship with just 43 points, far from the title battles he has become accustomed to in recent seasons.
Speaking to Sky Germany during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, Schumacher suggested that Red Bull are becoming increasingly aware of the potential risk posed by Verstappen’s frustration.
“There’s a bit of concern at Red Bull that Max might eventually decide to leave the team,” he said.
Verstappen has publicly questioned his long-term future in Formula 1 for months, particularly as the sport prepares for sweeping regulatory changes next season.
Red Bull is exploring alternative driver options
Schumacher also suggested that Red Bull have already explored possible alternatives should Verstappen’s future with the team become uncertain.
According to the former Formula 1 driver, the team tried to lure Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, who has a close relationship with team principal Laurent Mekies.
“They also tried to get Charles Leclerc, who is very close to Laurent Mekies. That didn’t work out. Now we still hear that they’re after Piastri,” he claimed.
Neither Red Bull nor the drivers involved have publicly commented on these rumours.
However, the speculation reflects the team’s growing uncertainty as it attempts to rebuild its competitiveness after falling behind Mercedes and Ferrari.
Schumacher delivers brutal verdict on Red Bull technical leadership
While he understands Verstappen’s frustrations, Schumacher believes that the underlying technical issues at Red Bull are unlikely to be resolved quickly.
The German was particularly critical of technical director Pierre Wache, who took on a larger role after legendary designer Adrian Newey left the company.
“I can understand that Verstappen is not happy with the current situation,” said Schumacher.
He then offered a blunt assessment of Red Bull’s technical direction: “I don’t think Pierre Wache will be able to pull it off, I’m pretty sure of that.”
“He’s simply overwhelmed. The shoes are too big for him, in my opinion.”
These comments highlight the increasing scrutiny of Red Bull’s leadership structure as the team tries to reverse its decline.
Red Bull is worried
The challenge for Red Bull extends beyond improving performance on the track. Retaining Verstappen is crucial for the team’s future, especially as Formula 1 is entering a new regulatory era next season.
Verstappen has been the cornerstone of Red Bull’s success during its championship-winning years, so any doubts about his commitment inevitably raise questions about the team’s long-term trajectory.
Although Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull, Schumacher’s comments emphasise the pressure the team is now under to convince its star driver that it can once again provide a car capable of winning races and championships.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
