The reigning four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, endured a frustrating race weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing sixth and trailing race winner Oscar Piastri by more than 34 seconds. Verstappen, who qualified only seventh, spent much of the weekend voicing concerns over a lack of grip and brake performance.
To make matters worse, Red Bull’s usually flawless pit crew stumbled with multiple slow stops, adding to a difficult evening for the team.
Ralf Schumacher: Upgrades Must Work or Verstappen Will Go
Ralf Schumacher, speaking on Sky Germany, said Red Bull’s ongoing decline, which began in the latter half of the 2024 season, could force Verstappen to consider a change before his contract expires in 2028.
“I’m pretty sure that if the upgrade on the car doesn’t take effect by Imola and the new [in-house] engine [for 2026] doesn’t run quite as well, Max Verstappen will definitely leave the team,” Schumacher said.
He emphasized Verstappen’s value to any team on the grid.
“You can see the difference he makes, you absolutely have to get this driver and everyone wants to have him.”
Potential Landing Spots: Mercedes or Aston Martin?
Rumors have long linked Verstappen with both Mercedes and Aston Martin. In January, reports of a massive “billion-pound” offer to lure the Dutchman to Silverstone circulated—though Red Bull swiftly denied them.
Still, Schumacher believes Aston Martin would be the smarter destination if Verstappen decides to leave.
“A bigger adventure awaits Verstappen at Aston Martin,” he said. “Together with Adrian Newey, whom he knows very well, he also knows Honda very well, and [there is] also a new factory that has a future.”
What Comes Next?
With Red Bull hoping to bounce back in the coming rounds and upgrades expected by the Imola Grand Prix, much depends on the team’s ability to turn around its fortunes quickly.
Whether those upgrades arrive in time to satisfy Max—and keep him in the red and blue—is now one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Leave a Comment