Ralf Schumacher says top F1 drivers should avoid Red Bull even if Max Verstappen departs
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Red Bull could be at risk of losing their star driver, Max Verstappen, at the end of 2026. While they’ll want to keep all their options open, Ralf Schumacher has advised drivers to steer clear of their project.
Under his contract terms, Verstappen is allowed to leave if he isn’t inside the top two in the championship standings. He’s been vocal about his frustration with the new technical rules and has been increasingly involved in GT3 racing, which is raising questions about how long he’ll stay committed to Formula One.
Replacing Verstappen would be no small task for Red Bull as they try to build around Red Bull Powertrains. But given how this season has started for them, Schumacher believes drivers should look elsewhere before making any decisions.
The RB22 has struggled out of the gate. After three rounds, Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have managed just 16 points between them, with reliability and performance issues holding them back from making any real impact so far.
With Verstappen openly criticising the new regulations and showing growing interest outside of F1, it’s hard not to wonder whether 2026 could be his final year with both Red Bull and Formula One altogether.
Ralf Schumacher Calls Red Bull ‘Chaotic’ as Charles Leclerc Links Emerge
Red Bull’s interest in signing Charles Leclerc has surfaced, according to Peter Hardenacke speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse. With Verstappen’s future uncertain, the team is reportedly eyeing the Ferrari driver.
Leclerc could walk away from his Ferrari deal early, even though it runs until 2029. But given how strong Ferrari looks right now, Schumacher doesn’t see why any top driver would want to switch to Red Bull at this point.
“Well, I think we have to be completely honest here: Red Bull isn’t really the obvious choice in the current set-up. It’s another long-term project – starting with engine development, which they’ve actually done well,” he said.
“The team is a bit of a mess at the moment; things are a bit chaotic, and there’s no proper communication with the outside world. Dr Helmut Marko is also missing as a figurehead to, how shall I put it, provide some guidance, in my opinion.
“Accordingly, I wouldn’t know whether it would make sense for Charles Leclerc to switch from a team that’s just starting to function properly. I can’t imagine Ferrari are actually considering it either.
“It wouldn’t be very clever because I think Lewis Hamilton’s situation is foreseeable under normal conditions simply due to his age. They need to develop new young drivers but then they’d have to keep one – namely Charles Leclerc – so it’s actually not advisable.”
Red Bull reached out to Leclerc in 2025
Red Bull’s interest in Charles Leclerc isn’t new. Back in 2025, they reached out to his manager Nicolas Todt to explore the possibility of bringing him on board for the 2027 season.
Speculation around a move grew as Leclerc became increasingly vocal about his frustrations with Ferrari. Since joining in 2019, he hasn’t had a real shot at a title.
McLaren were also reportedly interested, especially as questions surfaced about Oscar Piastri’s long-term commitment to the team. Aston Martin have asked about Leclerc on several occasions, looking ahead to life after Fernando Alonso.
With Ferrari now challenging Mercedes more consistently and showing clear progress, it’s hard to see why Leclerc would consider leaving at this stage.
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