Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Max Verstappen should move to Mercedes to improve his career and the team’s championship chances.
Ralf Schumacher openly encouraged Max Verstappen to consider a move from Red Bull to Mercedes after the Monaco Grand Prix, citing the potential benefits for both driver and team.
Such a move could significantly change the F1 landscape, especially given the alleged internal disputes within the Milton Keynes team. The ramifications of such a high-profile move would be significant. Verstappen, now driving for Red Bull, a team that has consistently provided championship-ready cars since the 2022 rule change, could change the balance of power in the F1 paddock.
Ralf Schumacher’s viewpoint carries weight, considering his deep insights into the operational cultures of top-tier racing teams like Mercedes.
If Verstappen decides to make the switch, it could revitalize Mercedes’ aspirations for returning to the top of the podium, especially if Red Bull faces performance setbacks as Schumacher anticipates.
Delving deeper, during his interview post-Monaco, Schumacher elaborated on how Verstappen’s exceptional skill set could benefit Mercedes. “The breakup and the current power struggle would definitely make me think about moving if I were him,” said the brother of the great Michael Schumacher, quoted by Marca. “Especially because he wants to show that he is world champion not only because he has the best car, but because he is the best driver,”
From Schumacher’s comments, it’s clear that the challenge of proving his versatile championship-winning capabilities in a less dominant car could be a tempting motivator for Verstappen. “The idea of starting a team like Mercedes was appealing to him again and he is capable of doing it. Max has an incredible feel for the car.
He can extract two or three tenths more out of the car than any other driver.”
