Schumacher claims Wolff and Verstappen doomed to fail M…read more
Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has cast doubt on the long-running speculation linking Max Verstappen with a future move to Mercedes, claiming that a partnership between the reigning world champion and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff would be unlikely to succeed.
Verstappen has been repeatedly connected with a potential switch to the Brackley-based squad over the past two seasons, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s long-term competitiveness. However, no serious move has materialised, and the Dutchman has recently reiterated his commitment to Red Bull, with a contract that currently runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Despite those assurances, Verstappen’s future is expected to remain a talking point, especially as Formula 1 prepares for a major regulatory overhaul in 2026. The sport will introduce sweeping changes to both power units and aerodynamic regulations, creating the possibility of a significant shift in the competitive order. Should Red Bull fail to adapt quickly to the new rules, speculation over Verstappen exploring alternative options is likely to intensify.
Speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher — who raced in F1 between 1997 and 2007 — explained why he believes Mercedes would not be a good fit for Verstappen, even if the team were willing to build everything around him.
“When you look at the alternatives, I still can’t imagine Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff working well together,” Schumacher said. “I can’t really explain it, but somehow they just don’t seem to match. Of course, a team like Mercedes would do absolutely everything for Max if they had the chance, but that alone doesn’t guarantee success.”
Schumacher suggested that similar considerations apply to Aston Martin, another team that has occasionally been mentioned as a potential destination for Verstappen. However, he believes Verstappen’s strong sense of belonging at Red Bull — shaped in part by his long-standing relationship with the team’s leadership — makes a move elsewhere increasingly unlikely.
“Part of it is down to Helmut Marko,” Schumacher added. “Towards the end of last year, Max looked extremely comfortable, and you really got the sense that he and the team had become one unit. That’s not something you find easily elsewhere. In many ways, the team is built around him — you could even say it’s his team.”
Recent comments from Verstappen himself have reinforced that perception. The four-time world champion has openly spoken about his desire to remain with Red Bull and potentially finish his career with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, or at the very least honour his current contract. Those remarks have largely cooled rumours of a possible move in 2027.
Still, Schumacher warned that loyalty alone may not be enough if Red Bull struggle under the new regulations. Verstappen, widely regarded as one of the most competitive drivers in F1 history, is unlikely to tolerate a prolonged spell in the midfield.
“If Red Bull can’t provide him with a car capable of fighting for wins and championships, questions will inevitably be asked,” Schumacher implied. “That’s just the reality at this level.”
The uncertainty is compounded by major changes behind the scenes at Red Bull. The 2026 season will mark the team’s first year without long-time figures Christian Horner and Helmut Marko in leadership roles. Design icon Adrian Newey has also departed, while former sporting director Jonathan Wheatley left in 2024 to join Sauber. New team principal Laurent Mekies now faces the challenge of guiding Red Bull through a rebuilding phase while keeping its star driver fully committed.
As Formula 1 enters a new era, Verstappen’s future remains closely tied to Red Bull’s ability to adapt and remain competitive. Whether that bond can withstand the turbulence of regulation changes and internal restructuring will become clearer as the 2026 season unfolds.
