Schumacher clear about Verstappen's future: 'Horner might hate me or take me to court!'

10:31, 10 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

Ralf Schumacher has no doubts about Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull Racing. In the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, the former driver remained clear with his verdict.

The German driver is confident in Sky Sports Germany's podcast that the defending world champion is set to leave the Austrian team, and there is much more going on behind the scenes than just problems with the RB21's on-track performance.

"From my point of view, it's clear: Max Verstappen won't stay with Red Bull," the German began.

"This is not only due to the problems with the car, but also because of the introduction of a new engine. Mercedes and Honda are familiar giants for Max, he knows what to expect there. Red Bull remain a question mark – they still struggle with the electric part of the engine."

"The decision has already been made," Schumacher then continues. "Christian Horner may hate me for this again and may even take me to court, or whatever - but from my perspective, it's clear that Max is not staying."

The former Toyota and Williams driver also sees that the situation is also tense between team principal Christian Horner and top advisor Helmut Marko.

"It's not a feeling, it's the truth. Those two – Horner and Marko – are now at odds with each other. You can see it in their body language."

Verstappen to Mercedes or Aston Martin?

Schumacher believes that the most likely outcome would be Verstappen joining Mercedes.

"Toto Wolff has already missed the chance to bring the best man in the sport on board before. He won't let that happen again."

Aston Martin are also considered to be an option for the Dutchman, especially after Adrian Newey joined the Silverstone-based team.

"That team is currently the future, but both seats are essentially taken up for 2026. So Alonso or the 'son' Stroll would have to leave early to make room."

According to the German, the decision however has already been made about living, the only question is which team will Verstappen will now choose as his next destination. However, Schumacher clearly rules out the defending world champion staying at Red Bull Racing: "I don't believe that at all," he added firmly.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder