Chances Of Verstappen's Move To Mercedes 'Are Great' According To Ralf Schumacher

Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at 07:30

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher said he believes Mercedes would be the best place for Verstappen if he decided to leave Red Bull.

Almost nobody believed that Verstappen would leave Red Bull until the Dutchman himself warned after the Saudi Arabian qualifying that he would follow Helmut Marko if he were forced to leave the team.

Marko's future in Red Bull was uncertain for a short period during the second race weekend of the season, as he was threatened with suspension.

However, he later announced he would stay after talking to Red Bull's managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff. The 80-year-old also admitted he was touched by Verstappen's gesture, calling the 26-year-old "one of few people here who has character."

It has to be said that it would be a very brave and bold move for Verstappen to depart Red Bull, which clearly has the dominant car at this moment.

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Some, like the former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella, would even call it stupid. But Verstappen has his own principles and moral compass. Which team would the triple World Champion choose if he didn't want to stay at Red Bull anymore?

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sport1 he believed the chances of Verstappen choosing Mercedes were great:

"The chances are great. Because where should Verstappen go if he no longer wants to stay at Red Bull? Ferrari is closed, Audi is still too far away from being competitive."

The only other team that could possibly be competing for the title in the near future and would find a space for the 26-year-old is Aston Martin.

But the team doesn't have a history of winning like Mercedes. The German team has proved numerous times over the last decade that it is capable of building a competitive car. Schumacher added:

"So that leaves Mercedes. I also believe that Max, with his natural, honest nature, would fit in very well with Mercedes. It would be perfect for Toto."