Ralf Schumacher Claims Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff Would Never ‘Truly Click’

Max Verstappen was heavily backed for a move to Mercedes for the 2026 season amid massive struggles with Red Bull. Though the Dutchman met up with Toto Wolff at Sardinia and was in advanced talks to join Brackley, the talks fizzled out. Verstappen reiterated his complete loyalty to Milton Keynes and intends to finish his contract. Now, ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher makes a shocking claim about the relationship shared by Wolff and the four-time champion.

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen share a decent bond apart from their on-track shenanigans in Formula 1. Wolff certainly has an undying interest in acquiring Verstappen as a Silver Arrow. Though the Dutchman has no plans to ditch his long-time team anytime soon, the Austrian still hopes for a miracle. In a shocking turn of events, Ralf Schumacher boldly claims that the two people would never ‘click’ at Mercedes.

Ralf Schumacher pondered over the reasons why Max Verstappen would now consider a move to Mercedes in the near future. The German reckoned that Verstappen might switch teams if Red Bull’s car stopped working completely. Moreover, Schumacher highlighted that there was a lack of alternatives for the 28-year-old in teams if Milton Kenyes failed in results.

Regardless of the performance issues, Ralf Schumacher pointed out that Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff could never ‘click’ with one another and form a great bond. Though the two haven’t partnered up in Formula 1 yet, Schumacher just has a gut feeling about the relationship not working out. It might be because of Wolff still not being over Lewis Hamilton‘s controversial title loss at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP.

I think it would only really become a topic if, for whatever reason, the car stopped working. On the other hand, where are the real alternatives? I still can’t see Verstappen and Wolff truly clicking. For some reason, it just doesn’t quite fit.

Ralf Schumacher said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

Ralf Schumacher claims Red Bull is Max Verstappen’s team

Max Verstappen debuted in Formula 1 with Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso (currently Racing Bulls) and has been racing with the Austrian giant ever since. The team has truly given him everything in the sport. The Dutchman is well established with the team and would certainly face diffculties if he joins any other constructor on the grid.

Ralf Schumacher reckoned that McLaren or Aston Martin would do everything for Max Verstappen if he were to join them. However, Red Bull’s environment was very much homely for him and he got even more comfortable by the end of the 2025 season. There were signs that the Dutchman had become a single unit at the Austrian constructor. Schumacher guessed that the four-time champion would not get similar feeling at any other team on the grid.

A team like McLaren would obviously do everything for Verstappen if they had the chance and a seat available. The same goes for Aston Martin. But this is very much a home environment for him, and I have to say that by the end of last year, Verstappen felt extremely comfortable there. You genuinely get the sense that it has become a single unit. And where else would he have something like this? The team is basically his. 

Ralf Schumacher noted.

The 2026 season is bound to be a massive challenge for Red Bull, more so as they collaborate with Ford for the power units. Time will tell about how the team pans out in terms of results, as initial test sessions will showcase the full picture. For now, Max Verstappen’s ambitions with the team remains to win the championship and build onto his legacy in Formula 1.

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