Ralf Schumacher: Verstappen will leave if Red Bull upgrades don't succeed

Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull is facing speculation after another disappointing performance in Bahrain. With the RB21 coming under much scrutiny, Ralf Schumacher has suggested that the four-time world champion could look elsewhere if the Milton Keynes team isn't able to improve their machinery.

This also follows apparent tensions within Red Bull with a crisis meeting taking place last weekend, as well as a heated conversation between Verstappen's manager and Helmut Marko.

Schumacher, the former F1 driver-turned pundit, believes the Dutchman's patience will be starting to wear thin, with a lot riding on the upcoming upgrade package from the outfit.

"I'm pretty sure that if the upgrade to the car doesn't take effect by Imola and the new engine - I'm just talking about rumours now - doesn't run quite as well, Max Verstappen will definitely leave the team," Schumacher said to Sky Germany.

These comments come as Red Bull is struggling to give their champion driver a car worthy of his talents. Marko described the car's performance as "very alarming," following last weekend's race where the driver failed to finish within the top 5.

“It’s a very difficult day for Red Bull; that's obvious to all of us," he told the media, including Motorsport.com.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

“We have to get, as soon as possible, performance in the car again and also standards like a pitstop have to work. The car is not the fastest and then the pit stops are not working. That is not acceptable.

“Very alarming. We know that we are not competitive, and there will be parts coming in the coming races, and hopefully they bring improvement.

“We have a lot of problems. The main problem is balance and grip. And out of this, so I guess the problems with the brakes came up. And then the normal procedure like a pitstop is not working, so one [issue] comes after the other.”

Following the race, the management of the team, Team Principal Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, Technical Director Pierre Wache, and Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan, were involved in a crisis meeting, likely regarding the incredibly narrow operating window of the car. 

Verstappen's manager was also spotted in a heated discussion with Marko.

There's also speculation surrounding Verstappen and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. While he has confirmed his support of his drivers, Schumacher believes that if the Dutchman is on the market, Wolff shouldn't hesitate.

“You absolutely have to get this driver and want to have him," he said. But Aston Martin is also a possible future home for the reigning champion.

"Together with Adrian Newey, whom he knows very well. In addition, Honda, which he knows very well, and also a factory that has a future."