P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Amid uncertainty over Red Bull’s future following the exit of chief technical officer Adrian Newey, speculation has arisen once again regarding Max Verstappen’s position in the team going forward.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen is likely to depart from Red Bull in the near future due to ongoing issues within the team. Red Bull recently announced that chief technical officer Adrian Newey will be leaving in the first quarter of 2025, focusing on the RB17 hypercar project. Verstappen’s potential departure has been a topic of discussion since earlier this year, with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff expressing interest in signing him as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Schumacher mentioned that Verstappen seems eager to explore other opportunities outside of Red Bull, with talks already circulating in the paddock. The changing dynamics within Red Bull, including the departure of key personnel like Newey, have raised concerns about the team’s future direction and team spirit, especially following the passing of founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022. Schumacher expressed disappointment over the situation and the breakdown of the team, highlighting the impact of key figures leaving and the shifting landscape within the organization.
