Max Verstappen shock F1 team transfer disputed: 'Won't be able to handle it'

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has questioned whether Max Verstappen would be a good fit for Ferrari as speculation over his future continues.

Verstappen has cast doubt over his short-term future in F1 as he voices concerns about the new regulations.

Additionally, Red Bull has lacked front-running pace this year, prompting suggestions it could accelerate Verstappen’s departure, given he has already achieved significant success in the sport.

Amid ongoing speculation over a potential switch, Schumacher believes Mercedes would be a more likely destination for the 28-year-old.

“Anything is conceivable,” Schumacher told the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. “Many drivers desperately want to go to Ferrari – it's something very special as a brand in Formula 1. 

“But I think Max feels very comfortable at Mercedes, also with the GT3 setup and the teams that work together there, as well as the Mercedes engine. 

“They're always building with the best engines.”

With Verstappen losing many people at Red Bull to rival teams, including race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, he would be unable to carry across personnel who made up his inner circle during his successful years.

As a result, Schumacher theorised that Verstappen would struggle to adjust to the systems in place at Ferrari.

“So, I can hardly imagine it,” he said. “And Max would then have to subordinate himself to this structure in a certain way – and he's not like that.

“He's just as used to being a team leader. But if he comes into this team alone, which isn't functioning well right now, he won't be able to handle it as a driver."