Ex-F1 Driver Declares Max Verstappen to Make Mercedes Decision in Summer Break

Ralf Schumacher predicted when Max Verstappen would make a decision on potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes.

Ex-F1 Driver Declares Max Verstappen to Make Mercedes Decision in Summer Break

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

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Max Verstappen‘s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. The reigning world champion is persistently rumored to be considering a move to Mercedes amid Red Bull’s downturn in performance. Now, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has given a timeline for the Dutchman’s final decision on where he would race for 2026.

In recent weeks, a lot has happened in the F1 paddock. Red Bull decided to sack Christian Horner after reports emerged that Verstappen wanted the Briton gone from the team. Though, it seems that the sacking was too little too late, as Max Verstappen allegedly met Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Sardinia recently. Pundits believe that this secret visit might confirm the Dutchman’s switch to the Silver Arrows.

Ralf Schumacher thinks differently. The German insists that the Verstappen camp was not going to rush to a decision at least before the summer break. Schumacher pointed out that Max Verstappen might be willing to see how Horner’s replacement, Laurent Mekies manages the team in the coming weeks. Mekies’ leadership could finally attract some talent to Milton Keynes after a massive exodus under Christian Horner.

I can hardly imagine anything happening before the summer break. I think they want to wait and see what Mekies does. With this recent change, new people are coming in. That was also a problem before. To be fair, with Christian Horner, some well-established people from Formula 1 didn’t want to join.

Ralf Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse podcast

The German predicted a summer break meeting between Max Verstappen, his father, Jos Verstappen and his manager Raymond Vermeulen. The three would likely go through each and every aspect of Red Bull and Mercedes before coming to a final conclusion.

So, I believe the three of them—his dad, his manager, and Max himself—will sit down during the summer break, lay out the options side by side, classic style, discuss everything, and then make a decision.

Ralf Schumacher added

Ralf Schumacher pinpoints factor holding back Max Verstappen from Mercedes

Mercedes has long been interested in signing Max Verstappen. Toto Wolff was even rumored to attempt such a deal last year. While nothing materialized then, things seem to be different now. Yet, Verstappen has not shown any direct interest publicly towards the Silver Arrows.

Max and Jos Verstappen
Max Verstappen and Jos Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Ralf Schumacher highlighted that a team like Red Bull or even McLaren provide a home to a driver. Someone like Max Verstappen feels fully supported by his crew, and this feeling goes a long way. On the other hand, Mercedes was a different entity, with equal ownership between Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz and INEOS. Schumacher claimed that this structure might be holding back the 27-year-old.

As a driver, feeling that the team is behind you like Red Bull does—that’s something I believe he can only really find there, or maybe at McLaren or with Stroll Senior’s team. But with Mercedes, it’s different because of the three owners, and I think that’s holding Max back a bit from making a final decision.

Ralf Schumacher noted

Max Verstappen has a really strong connection with Red Bull. The Dutchman has been part of the Austrian family for over a decade. This makes leaving much harder for the 27-year-old even if he feels Mercedes might be the better team next year. Fans will have to wait for some more time before Verstappen finally gives clarity over his future at the pinnacle of motorsport. Though, they should not be surprised if he decides to continue at Milton Keynes.

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