Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has been thrust back into the spotlight following this week’s bombshell announcement of Christian Horner’s dismissal as team principal by the energy drink company.
And former Grand Prix driver turned pundit Ralf Schumacher believes a meeting may be in the works between the reigning world champion and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
Speaking to Formel1.de, Schumacher pointed to growing rumours surrounding Verstappen’s potential switch to Mercedes – and linked them to a strangely coincidental convergence of locations, private jets, and luxury yachts.
“I think it’s pretty clear what Max wants,” Schumacher said, referring to Verstappen’s growing frustration and his interest in projects like GT3 racing.
“GT3 is something he’s passionate about. Mercedes is also launching a new car in that category soon, so... Right now, it doesn’t feel like the odds are great for him staying.”
Schumacher then suggested that Verstappen’s arrival in Sardinia on Friday – based on the most recent private jet flight tracking data – could indicate more than just a casual trip.
“It’s no coincidence either that this week, two yachts are cruising off Sardinia – one belongs to Toto Wolff, the other to Max Verstappen. And from what I hear, there’s a good chance they might have had a coffee together,” Schumacher claimed.
While no meeting has been confirmed, Wolff has previously acknowledged holding talks with Verstappen regarding the Dutchman's potential future with Mercedes, should he activate a performance-related exit clause from his Red Bull contract, which currently runs through 2028.
“It’s hard to come back from that”
The instability within Red Bull, highlighted by Wednesday’s dramatic turn of events involving Horner, has further fueled speculation about Verstappen’s growing dissatisfaction.
“I think on Sunday [at Silverstone], it hit him that even he can’t save this anymore – and that really affected him,” Schumacher said. “After the race, it was obvious to me. And once you feel like something is beyond saving, it’s hard to come back from that.”
Max Verstappen with his manager, Raymond Vermeulen.
Schumacher believes Verstappen still holds deep loyalty to Red Bull but won’t hesitate to leave if performance falters.
“But what defines Max is that he won’t take this decision lightly. He knows exactly who he owes his career to – besides himself and his father, of course – and that’s ultimately Red Bull, the team that brought him to where he is today.”
An Announcement Expected After the Summer Break
Looking ahead, Schumacher predicts that Verstappen will make a definitive call after Formula 1’s summer shutdown in August.
“Well, it certainly hasn’t decreased [the chances of Verstappen leaving]. That much I believe,” he said, referring to Horner’s abrupt exit.
“But what matters to Max Verstappen is having a car that wins – or at least one that can win. Now it’s up to [new Red Bull Racing CEO] Laurent Mekies. I hope he can bring some peace to the team and restore that family atmosphere quickly. And I think he can.”
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However, Schumacher expressed doubt that Red Bull has the technical leadership in place to match what legendary designer Adrian Newey once offered the team.
“The problem is: I’m struggling to imagine how Pierre Wache is suddenly supposed to build a car that’s genuinely fast,” Schumacher said.
“The car, in the wind tunnel – purely based on its data, without wind or roll effects – looks excellent. But the difference between him and Adrian Newey is that Adrian knows what happens when the wind hits from the side, when the car rotates, shifts, reacts.
“He knows which compromises to make so the car stays driveable.
“I’m still having a hard time seeing how Wache can do that – and how he’s going to convince Max to stay. Because this season won’t turn around anymore, and Max wants to win again. I’m sure of that.”
“It’s quite simple. If he does stay, I don’t think it’ll be just for 2026 – he’d stay beyond that,” Schumacher concluded. “Otherwise, I believe he’ll announce a move this year. I think that announcement will come after the summer break.”
With Verstappen’s private jet landing in Sardinia and speculation swirling over a possible clandestine coffee with Wolff, Formula 1’s hottest transfer saga may be heating up just as the paddock prepares to cool down.
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