Without Verstappen, Red Bull racing could be last: Schumacher's shocking revelation

16:48, 03 Jun

bySienna Ionta

Red Bull Racing had a dramatic weekend in Spain. The fact that Max Verstappen's team has problems with the car is no longer a secret. Yet, the four-time world champion still manages to score well in most Grands Prix, but where would the Austrian team be without Verstappen?

In the Backstage Boxengasse of German Sky Sports, Ralf Schumacher spoke about the situation at Red Bull. “The car is too slow, and you can tell that it causes frustration. If Max Verstappen were not driving for the team, then you would have to look at where Yuki Tsunoda is racing to see where Red Bull stands.”

While Verstappen barely finished tenth after receiving a penalty for the incident with George Russell, Tsunoda did not get past P13 in Spain. On Saturday, the Japanese driver was even six tenths of a second slower than his teammate, which meant he qualified last. In short, according to Schumacher’s theory, Red Bull would belong to the slowest F1 teams.

Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda qualified last in Spain

Schumacher sees a difficult future for Red Bull and Verstappen

Schumacher continued on the fact that Verstappen and Red Bull are currently in a difficult situation. The F1 analyst also mentioned that the victories the Dutchman achieved this season in Suzuka and Imola were exceptions. After the Spanish Grand Prix, which was seen as a benchmark in terms of performance due to the new Technical Directives, Red Bull's situation is dire.

“He (Verstappen) wants a car that is good, and that is not guaranteed at the moment. They have tried so much, but nothing works. New people need to be brought in if you ask me. In addition, the atmosphere within the Red Bull team, with Christian Horner, is not good, it is known. Therefore, people who once worked at the team do not want to return."

Yet, according to the German, it is unquestionable that Verstappen remains loyal to his team, but there is a lot of work to be done to help the reigning world champion back to the top.

"This means that Red Bull depends on what they can bring in from outside and other classes. Then they need to build the team, and that just takes time,” according to Schumacher.