Can Verstappen rebound after Silverstone? Schumacher highlights key factor

07:55, 23 Jul

Co-author:Kada Sárközi

byHidde Korte

The Belgian Grand Prix is the next one on F1's calendar. Now having a considerable gap in the standings. Ralf Schumacher reflected on Max Verstappen's chances in the Backstage Boxengasse podcast of Sky Sports.

The British Grand Prix proved to be disappointing one for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman gambled on a dry setup, but the rain arrived and he finished in P5.

In the run-up to the Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Schumacher believes Verstappen has good chances to win, who has a good track record in Belgium.

"Weather is of course an enormous factor. Anything can really happen in Spa. And what happened to Russell last year, had not only to do with the fact that he couldn't collect enough rubber, but also because he surprisingly went with a one-stop strategy."

The previous season Lewis Hamilton looked to be on course to win, but his teammate Russell crossed the finish line first. However, he was disqualified for his car being under the minimum weight limit.

"That suddenly worked, nobody expected it, but the tyre wear was low, making the car light. We'll see if lessons have been learned this year."

Schumacher continued: "That will likely be similar again, because the tyres are better this year. You can drive longer, so that becomes interesting to keep an eye on. Generally speaking, I see Max Verstappen back in front again, especially in those sections of the track where you can drive the Red Bull with relatively little wing - if it is dry of course."

Rumours abound about Verstappen's future leading up to Spa

In the week after the British GP, there was much talk about the future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.

The four-time world champion was also in Sardinia during the break, similarly to Toto Wolff. However, GPblog could report a meeting did not take place and it was purely coincidental.

Earlier this week, Ralf Schumacher also commented on Verstappen's future and seemed to have made a surprising turnaround in his expectations.