“You Can’t Stop Him,” Ralf Schumacher Warns Red Bull over Max Verstappen’s Rumored Exit

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher asserted that Max Verstappen could not be stopped if he decided to leave Red Bull.

“You Can’t Stop Him,” Ralf Schumacher Warns Red Bull over Max Verstappen’s Rumored Exit

Ralf Schumacher and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has raced for Red Bull Racing since the 2016 Spanish GP. Since then, the Dutch driver has achieved incredible success in Formula 1. However, there have been questions over Verstappen’s future at Milton Keynes despite having a contract till the end of 2028. Now, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has hinted that the 27-year-old could leave the team.

Red Bull has struggled to match McLaren since late last season, making things difficult for Max Verstappen. This has led to rumors spreading over the reigning world champion potentially wanting to join a rival team. Aston Martin was even rumored to have offered a historic $1 billion deal to the Dutchman.

Ralf Schumacher has previously indicated that perhaps Verstappen is trying to find a way out of his Red Bull deal. The German claimed that the 27-year-old’s crash with George Russell in Spain might’ve been a step in that direction.

Schumacher made it clear that if Max Verstappen was genuinely considering leaving Red Bull, Milton Keynes will have no way to stop him. Since the Austrian team cannot hold onto a driver who simply doesn’t want to stay. This would be a major blow to the team which has completely centered around the reigning world champion in the past few years.

If Max wants to leave, you can’t stop him. No matter what driver wants to leave, he will eventually get it done.

Ralf Schumacher said on Backstage Boxengasse podcast

Ralf Schumacher declares Max Verstappen has ‘no guarantee’ at Red Bull

The four-time world champion has a simple demand to continue at Red Bull, a fast car. Max Verstappen will not consider leaving Milton Keynes if he can get a capable car for the world title. Unfortunately, that has not been the case this season, with McLaren having a significant pace advantage.

Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Max Verstappen and Christian Horner (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Ralf Schumacher insisted that Red Bull does want to retain the Dutch driver at all costs. However, Verstappen simply has no guarantee over getting a good car from his team. Moreover, the German pointed out that the Austrian team needs new personnel. Schumacher alleged that Christian Horner‘s leadership has made many unhappy at Milton Keynes.

Now it has become clear how things stand. Red Bull further wants Max to stay and Max obviously wants to have a working car. That is not guaranteed at the moment. They have tried so much, nothing has worked. Now the team has to find new people. The atmosphere in the team is not so good with Christian Horner. The people who worked there before don’t want to go back.

Ralf Schumacher explained

Certainly, Red Bull needs to show results quickly. Max Verstappen is not a driver who will wait for too long if he sees no hopes of progress. The Dutch driver will ultimately take a call on switching to a rival if things do not improve at Milton Keynes. Though, for now, Verstappen has remained tight-lipped over such speculation, hinting that he is still on-track to continue with the Austrian giant.

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