P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen’s Red Bull future will be decided by one key question.
Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull hinges on his patience for the team to provide him with a championship-worthy car. He criticized team principal Christian Horner and technical director Pierre Wache, stating the team’s environment is subpar and they struggle to understand their cars.
Red Bull, once dominant in F1, has seen a significant decline in performance over the last 12 months, culminating in a drop to fourth place this season. Verstappen, while impressive, finds himself trailing in the title race and outperforming his car compared to his teammates.
Schumacher predicts continued struggles for Red Bull and suggests this might prompt Verstappen to consider leaving before his contract ends in 2028. The atmosphere within the team is lacking, with former employees hesitant to return, and the need for significant restructuring and improvement is evident.
Ultimately, the question remains whether Verstappen’s patience will last as he seeks a competitive car to fulfill his potential in Formula 1.
