Ralf Schumacher doubts Verstappen fit at Mercedes

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has questioned whether Max Verstappen would suit Mercedes, arguing that the four-time world champion's hands-on technical approach could cause difficulties. Verstappen has signed a contract extension with Red Bull until the end of 2030.

Speaking on Sky Sport Germany's F1 podcast, Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher said Verstappen wants to understand every detail of the car, from the gearbox and differential to how a damper works. He linked this to Verstappen's upbringing with his father, Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver, and suggested Mercedes, already a large established team, might not welcome that level of influence.

Schumacher also criticised Lewis Hamilton's leadership, saying he never learned to lead a team under Ron Dennis at McLaren or Toto Wolff at Mercedes, and that his role had been to drive as fast as possible.