Jul.9 (GMM) The relationship between Max Verstappen and Red Bull may have reached breaking point following the British GP, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher.
Amid growing speculation about Verstappen’s future, Red Bull has reportedly become increasingly frustrated by the Dutchman’s refusal to commit beyond 2026, while Verstappen himself publicly criticised the team’s strategy decisions and two frightening rear wing failures.
“The rumours are intensifying,” Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.
“There’s a lot of talk in the paddock that the relationship is somewhat – if not completely – broken.”
He says the current rumours are different to similar stories of the past, when Verstappen reportedly flirted with Mercedes. “Max believed until the very end and didn’t want to leave the team,” said Schumacher.
“After last weekend, that’s over. I think Max has lost faith in the team. And it’s probably the other way around, too.”
Schumacher believes the uncertainty is now damaging Red Bull’s wider operation.
“The problem is, if you spend more time discussing things and trying to regain trust in some way, it distracts you from the real issues.
“And I think that’s what’s happening right now.”
He also suggested Red Bull’s management is increasingly under pressure.
“Oliver Mintzlaff is the most occupied sports manager there is at the moment,” Schumacher said. “You have Max Verstappen, with that clause hanging over the team like a sword of Damocles.”
The latest tensions follow Verstappen’s anger over Red Bull’s refusal to fit a fresh power unit before Silverstone, as well as his warning that the team’s repeated rear wing failures are “dangerous”.
The FIA is now understood to be taking a closer look at Red Bull’s radical ‘Macarena’ rear wing design, after team boss Laurent Mekies refused to rule out abandoning the concept following two failures on successive weekends.
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos agrees the issue cannot be dismissed.
“If you make two mistakes of that magnitude within seven days, you have a big problem,” he said on the Pit Talk podcast.
“It’s definitely a problem with the car, not a driver’s fault. Let’s face it – it’s also going to be dangerous.”
As for Schumacher, he believes Verstappen’s options are narrowing, with Aston Martin and McLaren emerging as the leading possibilities.
“From my perspective, he’s now sitting down with McLaren,” he said.
“I believe there are already conversations in the background, and reportedly also offers.”
Much, however, could depend on Oscar Piastri, whose future has also become the subject of speculation amid reports of a possible contract exit clause.
Asked directly about links with Red Bull, Piastri’s manager Mark Webber recently told Sport1: “Who knows?”
Although Webber later insisted media reports were “wrong”, Schumacher believes a Verstappen-Piastri swap is no longer out of the question.
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES