Schumacher sees work cut out for Red Bull: 'Even Verstappen can't do anything'

"I think Mekies did an absolutely fantastic job this weekend. Instantly, a completely different impression. I really had the feeling, which is why I also believe Max Verstappen will remain, that in a matter of days, a real boost went through the team," the former driver began.

"And Mekies is someone who knows how to get the drivers on board. Even Tsunoda was glad he was on board now. I also felt you could see Tsunoda performing better this weekend. This could well be the difference," Schumacher concluded in the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

While Schumacher is very complimentary about Mekies, this doesn't negate his feeling that the car needs significant improvement. "We have seen that Red Bull really urgently needs to make progress, because the car is not bad but it only performs under certain conditions. And even Max Verstappen can't really do anything with it under circumstances like on Sunday, and this urgently needs to be worked on", Schumacher said.

It seems Verstappen will continue to drive for the Austrian team in 2026. An announcement hasn't been made yet, but Helmut Marko did confirm after the Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps that Verstappen will remain. "Yes, I can confirm that Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull in 2026," said the advisor the Red Bull team.