Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen is facing a difficult decision over his future with Red Bull.
The four-time World Champion has had a difficult start to the 2026 season and has repeatedly hinted that he could consider leaving Formula 1 because of his frustration with the new regulations.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but performance-related clauses are believed to give him a possible way to leave the team earlier.
Schumacher has also questioned whether Carlos Sainz’s situation at Williams could be linked to Verstappen’s future.
“I’m curious about Sainz,” Schumacher told Sky Deutschland. “He seems to have turned down an offer from Williams.
“Does that have anything to do with the fact that Max Verstappen might be leaving Red Bull?”
Sainz has been linked with a possible move elsewhere, while Schumacher also suggested that Audi could be another option for the Spaniard.
The former driver believes there are signs of growing tension between Verstappen and Red Bull, particularly because the team has struggled to provide him with a competitive car.
“Something has broken between Verstappen and Red Bull,” Schumacher said.
“The ongoing discussion about his future eventually becomes exhausting for the team as well.
“The team hasn’t delivered either. The car was particularly bad at the start of the season, although the update did help somewhat. But the car is very difficult to drive.”
Verstappen has also been linked with a possible move to McLaren, where his former race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is expected to join in 2028.
Despite the speculation, Verstappen is still expected to remain with Red Bull for now.
Schumacher believes the Dutchman’s decision could come down to whether he still trusts Red Bull to return to the front of the grid.
“On the one hand, Max feels comfortable at Red Bull. On the other hand, however, there’s McLaren, where Lando Norris can win with his car.
“Max undoubtedly assumes that he’d be even better there himself.”
The key question, according to Schumacher, is whether Verstappen has lost confidence in Red Bull’s ability to turn things around or whether he simply feels the team’s rebuilding process is taking too long.
