Ralf Schumacher has suggested that his brother, seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, would have handled Red Bull's struggles with the 2026 regulations very differently to Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver has been vocal in his criticism of the new rules, even claiming that anyone who enjoys this season is not a genuine racing enthusiast.
Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Ralf Schumacher said Verstappen is a 'top-notch bloke' but is lacking someone who will contradict him. 'When someone is as successful as Max Verstappen, it's only natural that there are few people who'll contradict him,' he said. 'Max would be well advised to listen to either his manager or a good friend, and focus on what's important.'
Verstappen had told Sky Sports after the Shanghai race that tyre degradation and balance problems were significant weaknesses, noting that the team was 'graining a lot' and had 'more problems than expected.' He also indicated Red Bull's 2026 car is 'particularly bad,' a degree of public disapproval that Ralf insists Michael would never have expressed.
'This is the big difference compared to my brother, who has always stood by his team and refrained from public criticism,' Ralf said. 'Of course, you need to have a proper chat behind closed doors.' He added that Verstappen's current situation, racing in the midfield, requires a different approach, and that team principal Laurent Mekies needs to demonstrate leadership and fill gaps by bringing in outside staff.
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday, 27 March, with the race taking place on Sunday, 29 March.
