Ralf Schumacher: “I don’t see Verstappen and Wolff really in sync”

Last season, rumors of the four-time champion joining Brackley intensified—even following yacht meetings in Sardinia—but were eventually dismissed. Nevertheless, the 2026 regulations and Red Bull’s upcoming Ford partnership keep the narrative alive, mainly due to specific performance-related exit clauses in Verstappen’s long 2028 contract.

However, Schumacher told the Backstage Pit Lane podcast that he cannot envision true harmony between the Dutchman and Wolff. He argues Verstappen would only leave if Red Bull’s machinery suddenly failed. While teams like McLaren or Aston Martin would surely welcome him, Schumacher notes Red Bull is clearly Verstappen’s home. "The team is basically his," Ralf asserted, highlighting how comfortable Max felt late last year. Ultimately, Schumacher sees no reason for Verstappen to abandon such a unified environment for a partnership that simply might not work.