18/07/2025 09:15
Ralf Schumacher has expressed confidence that Max Verstappen is
about to part ways with Red Bull. Verstappen has consistently been
linked with an exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad amid its
decline in form over the last 12 months. Mercedes has been touted
as a potential destination for the four-time champion ahead of the
new technical regulations being introduced next year. Major change
has already occurred at Red Bull, with Christian Horner being axed
as team principal midway through the current campaign. Speaking on
the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher believes Verstappen
will be next out the door. "Well, what can I say? No doubt no one
in Salzburg will want to hear this, but the omens are not exactly
favourable for Red Bull at the moment," he said. "That means Max
Verstappen will have to look elsewhere anyway if he wants to
achieve success again in the short term. "At least I think so,
because we should also not forget that new engines are coming and
with them anything is still possible." While Schumacher has backed
Verstappen to make the switch to Mercedes, the six-time race winner
believes it will be difficult for Verstappen to say goodbye to Red
Bull. "That's why I really think his journey will continue at
Mercedes, although I can imagine he could have a hard time with
that too," he said. "He is obviously attached to Red Bull. We've
talked about it more than once, that he owes Red Bull an awful lot.
"But his management and his father, who has been in F1 for a long
time himself, already know where he is going. So I really think it
will be Mercedes."
