Schumacher clear: 'Marko understands that Verstappen is likely to leave'

Verstappen's future is a major topic of concern. Where Red Bull Racing was once dominant, it now appears to be in total chaos. The team currently stands in fourth place in the constructors' championship, and the world title now seems very far away for Verstappen.

Is the previous chapter of Red Bull Racing now closed? Schumacher thinks so."So it's really true that we've now, I believe, reached the absolute top. Even though Oliver Mintzlaff was more focused on football, he also realizes that the topic is now finished," Schumacher said in the Boxengasse podcast of Sky Sports.

The former driver pointed out two aspects he's particularly worried about concerning the situation at Red Bull."First, if you know Dr. Helmut Marko, you get the feeling he has given up, understanding that Max Verstappen is likely to leave."

"Then there are those rumours in the background," continued Schumacher. GPblog previously reported that Verstappen's stay at Red Bull will be linked to Christian Horner's fate at the racing team. Schumacher indicated he finds this difficult to believe. "However, I do not believe it depends on Horner. I don't know, it's hard to imagine."

"The bigger problem, in my opinion, is how the team is currently assembled," he continued. "Aside from Horner, because he doesn't build the car. So you have a designer who clearly doesn't have it under control. And the question is: how will he make the next step?"

Furthermore, he noted that the new engine, which Red Bull will develop by itself from 2026, causes a lot of uncertainty. "So yes, if you believe all the rumors, then it can be inferred that Max will go his own way."