Max Verstappen’s future continues to fuel rumors in F1. But for Ralf Schumacher, a transfer to Ferrari would be far from a good idea for the four-time world champion.
Read more Mohammed Ben Sulayem: «We do not need the support of the fans»
Despite a contract running until the end of 2028 with Red Bull, Max Verstappen keeps maintaining uncertainty around his future in Formula 1. Between the difficulties faced by Red Bull this season and his frustration with the new engine regulations, the Dutchman seems increasingly frustrated.
In recent weeks, several rumors have mentioned a possible early departure of the four-time world champion, with Ferrari, Mercedes, and even McLaren regularly cited among the potential destinations.
But for Ralf Schumacher, the Ferrari option seems very unlikely. The former German driver even believes that Verstappen would have a lot of trouble adapting to the way the Scuderia operates.
Mercedes much more logical according to Schumacher
Interviewed on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher explained that a transfer to Mercedes seemed much more coherent for Verstappen.
“Everything is possible. Many drivers absolutely dream of joining Ferrari because this brand represents something unique in Formula 1,” he explains.
“But I think Max feels much more comfortable in the Mercedes environment, especially with the GT3 programs, the teams working around this structure, and also with the Mercedes engines.”
The German also highlights Mercedes’ historical reputation in terms of engines, a particularly important element with the approach of new technical regulations.
“They have always built some of the best engines.”
Ferrari deemed incompatible with Verstappen
According to Schumacher, the main problem with a possible transfer to Ferrari would mainly concern the internal functioning of the Italian team.
Read more Guanyu Zhou and Colton Herta both on track for Cadillac in Barcelona in June
For several years, Verstappen has been evolving in an environment entirely built around him at Red Bull. The Dutchman benefits from a very stable structure, with trusted men who have accompanied him for a long time.
However, this stability is precisely beginning to crack. Several important members of his technical entourage are gradually leaving Red Bull, notably his famous race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
For Schumacher, Verstappen could not simply arrive alone at Ferrari and hope to immediately impose his method.
“I find it very hard to imagine that,” he says. Max would then have to conform to a certain structure, and that is not really his personality.”
“He won’t be able to handle that”
Ralf Schumacher goes even further in his analysis by believing that Ferrari is currently going through too unstable a period to welcome a driver like Verstappen.
“He is used to being the absolute leader of a team, reminds the former Toyota and Williams driver. But if he arrives alone in a structure that already doesn’t work well today, he won’t be able to handle that as a driver.”
This statement further fuels speculation about Verstappen’s future, as Mercedes appears more and more as the most credible option in case of departure from Red Bull.
Especially since tensions around the new 2026 regulations and Red Bull’s current difficulties could continue to fuel the Dutchman’s doubts in the coming months.
Read more Max Verstappen’s dream of victory cruelly collapses at the Nürburgring