Ralf Schumacher advises Max Verstappen to hold back on criticism – the expert doesn’t believe the Dutchman will retire quickly anyway
Is Max Verstappen’s time in Formula 1 coming to an end soon? The four-time world champion has recently repeatedly hinted that he could leave the premier class because he is no longer having the same fun as before under the current regulations
Expert Ralf Schumacher suspects, however, that Verstappen is primarily making such critical comments in order to “accelerate” changes in Formula 1, according to the six-time Grand Prix winner in Sky’s Backstage Pit Lane podcast.
“I think he is now using his position a little,” explains Schumacher, who cannot imagine that Verstappen will really turn his back on the premier class in the foreseeable future. Because there is still no comparable challenge in motorsport.
Although Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized how much fun he has in a GT car, Schumacher explains that driving a Formula 1 car is something completely different. In addition, Verstappen can compete “with the best drivers in the world” in the premier class.
Schumacher: Verstappen comments not helpful
“I can’t imagine that Max will give that up so quickly,” said Schumacher, who believes that Verstappen should therefore concentrate on bringing Red Bull back to the front instead of making critical comments about Formula 1 every weekend.
“My assessment is that the focus should be on the team for now,” emphasizes the expert, explaining: “I think if he were to win now, of course, he still wouldn’t like [the rules] very much, but it would be easier for him, you would hear less about it.”
Of course, Verstappen could “keep playing this record and keep playing it”, said Schumacher, who emphasized, however, that this was “not fair to the partners”. “Then he just has to go home, it’s not an issue,” says Schumacher matter-of-factly.
Because Verstappen’s current attitude is also damaging himself, he fears. For example, the constant negative comments could give the impression that the Dutchman is no longer motivated and therefore no longer giving his all.
Schumacher: Formula 1 will continue without Verstappen
Verstappen must therefore “be careful”, warns Schumacher, who also explains that the premier class need not be afraid even if Verstappen were to retire, “because I simply believe that Formula 1 is bigger than any one of us.”
“If Max Verstappen quits, quite honestly, then that’s the way it is. Then the next one will follow,” he shrugs, emphasizing that he likes Verstappen and understands if he would really rather spend more time with his family.
Nevertheless, he doesn’t find the four-time world champion’s comments helpful at the moment. “Then he just has to stop. Then he has to do what he enjoys,“ said Schumacher, adding: ”Then the team can look around for a new driver.“
Verstappen himself recently told the BBC, for example: ”I’m very happy in my private life. But you also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22, but normally it’s 24. And then you just ask yourself: Is it worth it?“
Schumacher says very matter-of-factly: ”If he doesn’t want that anymore, then I think it’s great, then he has to go through with the decision.” However, he does not believe that this will really happen in the near future.