The future of Max Verstappen is once again a topic of conversation in Formula 1. The former driver of the category, Ralf Schumacher, stated that McLaren should act if the Dutchman becomes available on the market.
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The analysis comes amid Red Bull Racing’s difficult start to the 2026 season, and the Dutch driver’s dissatisfaction with the new regulations. For Schumacher, the scenario may indicate that Verstappen is already considering a team change in search of a more competitive project.
The former driver believes that the recent statements of the four-time world champion point in this direction: “Either he wants to retire, which I don’t believe, or everything is being prepared for him to go somewhere else, where he has a better future,” he said. According to him, the need for time for Red Bull to recover may weigh against staying.
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Schumacher highlighted that McLaren emerges as a natural alternative, both because of the current performance and the team’s long-standing interest: “Red Bull needs time, and Max is very impatient. I don’t know if waiting two or three years is an option for him. If he becomes available, you have to go after him,” he added.
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