13/07/2025 15:25
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher is confident that Max Verstappen
is still "strongly" considering a bombshell Red Bull exit, despite
the exit of Christian Horner. The future of the four-time world
champion has been a major talking point in recent weeks, with
Verstappen being heavily linked to Mercedes. Mercedes team
principal Toto Wolff recently confirmed that talks with the
Dutchman had taken place, as has Verstappen's manager, Raymond
Vermeulen. A theory has been raised by former F1 driver Gerhard
Berger that Horner was axed to ensure Verstappen does not leave,
although Schumacher is unsure. The German does not believe Horner
departing and the speculation surrounding Verstappen's future are
linked, and that a move elsewhere could still happen. However,
Schumacher is confident that the 27-year-old does want to stay, but
that the rebuild of Red Bull could be the deciding factor. "I don't
think one has anything to do with the other," Schumacher told Sky
DE . "That's not what Max was about either. "Max of course wants to
stay at Red Bull, if possible. That's where it all started and he
owes a lot to Red Bull. But this valley that Red Bull is going
through now will last for some time, I fear. "In the history of
Formula 1, it usually takes two to three years. Now of course one
thing can happen and that is that next year's rule changes lead to
a great approach. "But I lack that fantasy. Because for two, or a
year and a half, Pierre Waché has failed to make the car really
drivable and good. So I still think that after last weekend Max is
thinking strongly about leaving Red Bull."
