Ralf Schumacher believes that the presence of Max Verstappen’s father and manager in the McLaren hospitality suite is not insignificant and revives speculation about the Dutchman’s future.
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While rumors of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull seemed to be gradually dying down, Ralf Schumacher has reignited them.
The former German driver relies on a detail observed during the Belgian Grand Prix: the presence of Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen, the manager of the quadruple world champion, in McLaren’s hospitality.
“It wasn’t for a coffee”
In recent weeks, Raymond Vermeulen, Laurent Mekies, and Zak Brown have all tried to calm speculation regarding a possible transfer of Verstappen.
For Schumacher, this visit remains intriguing nonetheless.
“I saw images of Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, as well as Jos Verstappen, in McLaren’s hospitality last weekend.”
According to him, this presence cannot be a coincidence.
“It certainly wasn’t a coincidence. Discussions must have taken place.”
The German even joked about the situation.
“They certainly didn’t just stop by for a coffee, which is said to be better at Red Bull. So I’m curious to know what’s really going on.”
Nothing is ever set in stone in Formula 1
Despite numerous indications suggesting that Verstappen will remain at Red Bull in 2027, Schumacher reminds us that the discipline often holds surprises.
“Formula 1 remains unpredictable. Every weekend, something new happens.”
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According to him, the situation could evolve rapidly.
“If the car suddenly regains performance and the atmosphere becomes more positive, everything can change very quickly.”
A change to be expected in the Verstappen garage
Schumacher also commented on the technical organization around the world champion.
With Gianpiero Lambiase’s confirmed departure to McLaren by 2028, he believes Red Bull should quickly prepare for the succession.
Tom Hart, Verstappen’s current performance engineer, appears to be the natural candidate to take over the race engineer position.
“One thing is clear: now that Gianpiero Lambiase will officially join McLaren, he will no longer be associated with all the files.”
For Schumacher, Red Bull will soon have to turn the page.
“At some point, we’ll have to move on and offer Max Verstappen a new race engineer. That would be the logical next step if nothing else changes.”
Even if no evidence confirms discussions between Verstappen and McLaren, this simple visit to the British team’s hospitality is enough to once again fuel speculation about the quadruple world champion’s future, even if the explanation provided was based on the signing by the Verstappen Racing management structure of young Belgian hopeful Dries van Langendonck (15 years old), already a member of the McLaren Driver Development Program.
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