Schumacher sees turning point for Verstappen after Silverstone disappointment

Ralf Schumacher believes that Max Verstappen has come to the conclusion that leaving Red Bull Racing is for the best. According to the German former F1 driver, this feeling would have been reinforced at the British Grand Prix.

Last Sunday at Silverstone, despite starting from pole position, Verstappen quickly found he couldn't match Oscar Piastri's pace in the McLaren. In wet conditions, the reigning champion struggled to keep his RB21 on the track. Eventually, Verstappen finished fifth, a long way from the podium.

A Sauber driver was on the podium, though. It was unthinkable; Verstappen in fifth place and Nico Hulkenberg in a supposedly inferior Sauber enjoying the champagne. But in recent months, it's become increasingly normal for Verstappen, who is driving at the top level, to not compete for prizes.

According to Schumacher, Verstappen has become further disillusioned in England: "I think today he seemed more discouraged," Schumacher analysed to F1-Insider. "Even though yesterday's qualification was good. But he's increasingly realizing that Red Bull just isn't as good anymore."

Verstappen is indeed increasingly thinking about leaving Red Bull. GPblog reported this Monday why a move to Mercedes has become attractive for the Dutchman.