Verstappen backed to reorient himself after Lambiase Red Bull exit

The Red Bull Racing head of racing is set for a switch to the McLaren team from the 2028 season, where he joins as chief racing officer following his over a decade-long stint at the Milton Keynes-based team.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher outlined what such developments could mean for Verstappen, even hinting at scenarios in which the four-time world champion could leave Red Bull, or even walk away from Formula 1 altogether.

The 50-year-old also floated a more dramatic possibility, suggesting Verstappen could follow Lambiase’s path and make a move to McLaren.

“From my point of view, Max will orient himself differently next year. On the one hand, this could mean leaving Red Bull because he no longer believes in the team and quits altogether, because he never tires of emphasising how boring he finds his time in Formula 1,” he said.

“Or he goes to McLaren with his engineer, which would also mean that there are negotiations at McLaren for Oscar Piastri to go to Red Bull – something we've seen before,” Schumacher added.

Verstappen’s long-term future in Formula 1 has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks, with the Red Bull driver himself indicating he will decide on his immediate plans in the coming weeks.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff earlier also expressed concern over the continuity of Verstappen in Formula 1.

The Austrian motorsport chief stressed that the sport cannot afford to lose the Dutch driver, while also downplaying suggestions of an imminent exit from the championship.

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