Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has revised his previous opinion and now suggests that Max Verstappen is quite open to continuing his career with Red Bull after the departure of team principal Christian Horner. The change in leadership has introduced new dynamics that could influence Verstappen’s plans moving forward.
Earlier, Schumacher was among those who strongly believed Verstappen would leave Red Bull for Mercedes starting in 2026, citing Red Bull’s struggles over the past year as a driving factor. Although Schumacher acknowledged that Verstappen did not personally want to depart, he argued that the team’s recent lack of competitiveness left the driver with few alternatives.
However, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher described the current situation at Red Bull as “very open” following the appointment of Laurent Mekies as the new team principal. He explained that Verstappen’s desire to stay may depend on whether the Austrian team shows signs of improvement under this fresh leadership.
Schumacher elaborated on the evolving mood within the team, adding that if Verstappen senses positive momentum, leaving might no longer be appealing.
“I can imagine that if everything is okay here, he [Verstappen] will ask himself: ‘why should I leave?’. I don’t think that was quite his wish. It has only led to it, because the car no longer functions as well. There were problems and internally the atmosphere was suddenly not so good anymore,” said Schumacher.
“From that point of view, I think it is indeed very open again. Such a development can happen very quickly. And this feeling of well-being is very important to the driver,” he added.
Schumacher emphasized that Verstappen currently enjoys full support as Red Bull’s lead driver, a status that might not be guaranteed at Mercedes. He also suggested the Dutchman would be reluctant to compete alongside Mercedes teammate George Russell due to internal rivalry concerns.
Christian Horner’s influence on Verstappen’s initial desire to leave Red Bull
Schumacher pointed to Christian Horner’s role as a key reason behind Verstappen’s earlier intentions to exit Red Bull. With Horner now replaced by Laurent Mekies, Schumacher believes this leadership change may positively affect Verstappen’s mindset within the team.
During the same podcast, Schumacher was asked to assess Horner’s impact on Verstappen’s doubts. He responded by acknowledging Horner’s influence but also highlighted that the team’s lack of performance contributed heavily to the tension.
“That is of course a factor, but on the other hand, if the success had come, everything would have been a bit easier. I think the situation was indeed very complicated and that a lot of wrong decisions were made.”
“Otherwise, Max wouldn’t have been in the situation of saying, ‘No, I don’t see my future here at the moment, maybe I should listen to something else,'” he added.
Schumacher expressed cautious optimism that Mekies has already fostered a more positive environment at Red Bull, which could encourage Verstappen to stay. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how much impact Mekies will have in his new role, given the large shoes left by Horner.
The possible consequences for Verstappen’s career and Red Bull’s future
Max Verstappen’s decision to continue with Red Bull or move to Mercedes carries significant implications for both his career and the trajectory of the teams involved. Staying at Red Bull under Mekies could provide Verstappen with a stable platform to defend his championship titles, assuming the team remedies past performance issues.
On the other hand, a switch to Mercedes would reshape the competitive dynamics in Formula 1, potentially intensifying rivalries with drivers like George Russell. Verstappen’s comfort within his team, as well as the support he receives as team number one, will likely be critical in influencing his choice.
As the 2026 season approaches, ongoing developments within Red Bull’s management and car competitiveness will be crucial factors to watch. Verstappen’s Red Bull future thus remains uncertain but has visibly shifted from a near certainty of departure to a more open possibility of retention.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. Is Max Verstappen wealthier than Lewis Hamilton?
When comparing the wealth of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, both are among the top earners in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton, with numerous championship titles and endorsements, has accumulated significant wealth over his career. Max Verstappen, while younger and earlier in his career, also earns a substantial income from his racing successes and sponsorships. The exact net worth of each driver can vary due to fluctuating endorsements and other financial factors. Determining who is richer depends on the most current financial information available about their assets and earnings.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. Before she started a relationship with Verstappen, she was connected to another F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat. Together, they had a daughter in 2019. Piquet and Verstappen announced the birth of their daughter, Lily, on May 2, saying, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily.”
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their baby girl named Lily. They initially shared the pregnancy news before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Lily is now a younger sister to Penelope, Piquet’s other daughter.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. His partner, Kelly Piquet, is the daughter of ex-world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter, Penelope, from a past relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope. When asked if being a dad could impact his racing, Verstappen mentioned this relationship as an example.