GEPA/Imagn Images

Ralf Schumacher Pinpoints ‘Fear’ over Red Bull’s Decline Amid Max Verstappen Exit Rumors

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 12:51 AM ET

Red Bull Racing is going through a difficult period this year. Milton Keynes has just sacked its team boss Christian Horner at a time when it’s struggling to perform. Max Verstappen is yet to confirm his future at the Austrian team despite having a contract till 2028. Now, former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher has raised a major concern over Verstappen’s stay at the energy drinks giant.

Milton Keynes is entering a new era after letting go of Christian Horner. After two decades, Red Bull will have a new team boss, Laurent Mekies. Mekies can finally start from scratch and put an end to the ever-rising tensions with the camp.

Ralf Schumacher asserted that while there were rumors of Verstappen wanting Horner gone, the Briton’s exit was not likely forced by the 27-year-old. The German reckoned that the reigning world champion does want to continue at Milton Keynes, as he has achieved record-breaking success with the team.

I don’t think one has anything to do with the other. That’s not what Max was about either. Max of course wants to stay at Red Bull, if possible. That’s where it all started and he owes a lot to Red Bull.
Ralf Schumacher told Sky Germany

However, Max Verstappen might be forced to make a hard decision if things do not improve. Schumacher highlighted that he feared that Red Bull will be unable to put an end to its struggles at least for some time. The German insisted that usually it takes a team a good couple of years to get everything back in order after going through a difficult period. As such major changes cannot be brought overnight in Formula 1.

But this valley that Red Bull is going through now will last for some time, I fear. In the history of Formula 1, it usually takes two to three years.
Ralf Schumacher noted

Max Verstappen ‘strongly’ considering Red Bull exit

Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominated Formula 1 at the start of the ground-effect era. The Dutchman has won four consecutive world titles. However, the dream of a fifth championship in a row seems to be fading. Verstappen is no longer optimistic over his campaign following persistent car struggles since the start of the year.

Ralf Schumacher pointed out that ever since Adrian Newey’s exit from Red Bull, his successor Pierre Wache has failed to solve Red Bull’s car struggles. The Verstappen camp might be losing faith in the technical chief, as Milton Keynes continues to fall behind. Ahead of the 2026 rule changes, this is a major factor in Max Verstappen’s mind. So much so, Ralf Schumacher was confident that the Dutchman was having strong feelings to leave the team after the last race at Silverstone.

Now of course one thing can happen and that is that next year’s rule changes lead to a great approach. But I lack that fantasy. Because for two, or a year and a half, Pierre Waché has failed to make the car really drivable and good. So I still think that after last weekend Max is thinking strongly about leaving Red Bull.
Ralf Schumacher noted

Max Verstappen is rumored to be in talks with Mercedes. The 27-year-old might be more confident in the Silver Arrows over the upcoming rule changes. While, Horner’s exit could tip the balance in Red Bull’s favor, there is no guarantee that it will ensure that Verstappen stays at Milton Keynes. Nevertheless, Laurent Mekies will be ready to do everything in his power to retain his star driver for the foreseeable future.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: