Ralf Schumacher Declares Max Verstappen Sets the ‘Standard for Everything’ in F1

Ralf Schumacher made it clear that no driver comes close to Max Verstappen's incredible performances in F1.

Ralf Schumacher Declares Max Verstappen Sets the ‘Standard for Everything’ in F1

Ralf Schumacher and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

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Max Verstappen is having a tough time in 2025 against the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The Dutch driver doesn’t have the pace to match his rivals in the title race due to Red Bull’s persistent issues. While this has greatly hampered Verstappen’s title prospects, ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher made it clear that the reigning world champion was still a league apart.

Ralf Schumacher pointed out that there is a stark difference between Max Verstappen and the two McLarens. While Verstappen is known for making virtually no mistakes, it’s much easier to notice errors being made by the likes of Piastri and Norris. He cited the Hungarian GP as the latest example where Oscar Piastri almost made contact with his teammate. Moreover, Charles Leclerc was also prone to mistakes when he was battling the Red Bull star in 2022.

It’s noticeable: for example Piastri with the mistakes he makes. He almost caused another crash with Norris again, it was another close call — for the second time this season. Both Norris and Piastri, but also Leclerc in the past, have continuously made those small mistakes.

Ralf Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse podcast

On the other hand, Max Verstappen is far different. Ralf Schumacher asserted that the four-time world champion made no mistakes even last year when he was feeling the heat in the title battle, and the car was far from perfect. Schumacher declared that Norris and Piastri simply can’t match Verstappen’s level yet. It is the Dutch driver who still set the benchmark when it came to consistency and performance.

When you look at Max Verstappen: he was the one, even last year, who did not make mistakes. Not even when the car was not perfect. They just can’t get anywhere near that yet. Verstappen sets the standard for everything. On good days, the other three are really there, but at other times small mistakes creep in again.

Ralf Schumacher added

Ralf Schumacher puts blame on Max Verstappen’s opponents

Max Verstappen had an easy time in Formula 1 in recent years. Since the start of the ground-effect era, the Dutchman was simply unmatched, shattering several records and now having four titles under his belt. This allowed Verstappen to perfect his driving in every way without feeling the pressure.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull content pool)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (image via Red Bull content pool)

Ralf Schumacher reckoned that Norris and Piastri might be making mistakes because they are trying to push themselves to the limit to gain that extra tenth of a second every time. On the other hand, Max Verstappen has already established himself as the best driver on the grid. Schumacher blamed Verstappen’s rivals for not giving him any real competition in the last couple of seasons for this situation.

Well, I want to defend them a little. You can call it mistakes, but you can also say: they’re pushing, they want to get that little extra out and establish themselves as the fastest driver. And don’t forget: Verstappen hasn’t had any real competition. This is not his fault, but his opponents.

Ralf Schumacher added

Certainly, Max Verstappen remains in a league of his own. The Red Bull driver has still managed some decent results this year despite having a poor car at his disposal. He has scored virtually all the points for Red Bull. The level of consistency and performance from Verstappen is what separates him from the likes of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

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