Ralf Schumacher questions Piastri and Russell's F1 futures

Ralf Schumacher has said Oscar Piastri may need a fresh start away from McLaren to revive his Formula 1 career, suggesting Aston Martin could be an option. He told Sky Deutschland that Piastri has had a difficult 2026 after losing last year's championship to Lando Norris, and that his reputation with other teams may have suffered.

Schumacher also believes George Russell is struggling in the shadow of Kimi Antonelli, who won his first world championship in 2026. He said Russell is trying to copy Antonelli's driving style, which does not suit him, and predicted Russell would become Mercedes' equivalent of Rubens Barrichello. He added that Russell's only hope in 2027 is that the next Mercedes suits him better.