– Is Max Verstappen’s time in Formula 1 coming to an end soon? The four-time world champion has recently made repeated hints that he could leave the premier class because he no longer has the same fun as before under the current regulations.
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Expert Ralf Schumacher suspects, however, that Verstappen is expressing himself so critically primarily to “accelerate” changes in Formula 1, according to the six-time Grand Prix winner in the podcast Backstage Boxengasse from Sky.
“I think he is also using his position a bit now,” explains Schumacher, who cannot imagine that Verstappen will really turn his back on the premier class in the foreseeable future. Because in motorsport, there is still no comparable challenge.
Even though Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized recently how much fun he has in a GT car, Schumacher explains that it is something completely different to drive in a Formula 1 car. In addition, Verstappen can compete “with the best drivers in the world” in the premier class.
Schumacher: Verstappen comments not helpful
“I can’t imagine that Max will give that up so quickly,” says Schumacher, who is of the opinion that Verstappen should therefore rather focus on bringing Red Bull back to the front instead of expressing critical views about Formula 1 every weekend.
“My assessment is that the focus should now be on the team first,” the expert emphasizes and explains: “I think if he were winning now, of course, he still wouldn’t like [the rules] particularly, but it would be easier for him, and you would hear less about it.”
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Of course, Verstappen could “keep playing this record over and over again,” says Schumacher, who emphasizes, however, that this is “not fair to the partners.” “Then he just has to go home, it’s no big deal,” Schumacher says quite soberly.
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Because with his current attitude, Verstappen is also harming himself, he fears. For example, the constant negative comments could create the impression that the Dutchman is no longer motivated and accordingly no longer giving his all.
Schumacher: Formula 1 continues even without Verstappen
Verstappen must therefore “be careful,” warns Schumacher, who also explains that the premier class does not have to be afraid even in the event of Verstappen’s departure, “because I simply believe that Formula 1 is bigger than any one of us.”
“If Max Verstappen stops, quite honestly, then that’s just how it is. Then the next one comes along,” he shrugs his shoulders and emphasizes that he likes Verstappen and also understands if he really would rather spend more time with his family.
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Nevertheless, he does not find the comments of the four-time world champion helpful at the moment. “Then he just has to stop. Then he has to do what gives him joy,” says Schumacher, adding: “Then the team can look around for a new driver.”
Verstappen himself had recently explained to the BBC, for example: “Privately, I am very happy. But you are also waiting for 24 races. This time it’s 22, but normally 24. And then you just ask yourself: Is it worth it?”
Schumacher says quite soberly: “If he doesn’t want that anymore, then I think it’s great, then he has to follow through with the decision.” However, he does not believe that this will really happen in the near future.
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