Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is in doubt after another disappointing performance in Bahrain. With the RB21 under the microscope, Ralf Schumacher has suggested that the four-time world champion could look for a new team if the Milton Keynes team fails to improve their car.
This comes after alleged tension within Red Bull, which saw a crisis meeting held last weekend, as well as heated discussions between Verstappen’s manager and Helmut Mark.
Schumacher, a former F1 driver who is now an expert commentator, believes that the Dutchman’s patience is starting to run out, and much depends on the team’s upcoming upgrade package. “I’m pretty sure that Max Verstappen will definitely leave the team if the car upgrade doesn’t show results by Imola and if the new engine – I’m just talking about rumors now – doesn’t work properly,” Schumacher told Sky Germany.
These statements come at a time when Red Bull is struggling to deliver its driver a car worthy of his abilities. Marko described the car’s performance after the race as “very alarming”, bearing in mind that Verstappen failed to finish in the top five.
“This is a very difficult day for Red Bull; that’s obvious to everyone,” the sports media advisor said, according to motorsport.
“We have to get the performance back into the car as soon as possible, and basic things like the pit box have to work. The car is not the fastest, and then even the pit stops don’t work. This is not acceptable.
“Very alarming. We know we are not competitive, and new components are coming in the next races, so hopefully they will bring improvements.”
“We have a lot of problems. The main problem is balance and grip. From that, I assume, the problems with the brakes came. And then the standard procedures, like the pits, don’t work – so the problem just builds on the problem.”
After the race, the team management, including team principal Christian Horner, Helmut Mark, technical director Pierre Wache and chief engineer Paul Monaghan, participated in a crisis meeting, likely due to the car’s extremely tight operating envelope.
