Ralf Schumacher confirms Jos Verstappen contact after social media tension

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has confirmed he has had contact with Jos Verstappen since the latter delivered a frosty response to his opinion on social media.

Schumacher recently suggested that Red Bull and Max Verstappen is missing the presence of Helmut Marko amid its struggles.

Marko departed Red Bull at the end of 2025 after a two-decade stint with the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Schumacher's words prompted a response from Max's father Jos, who declared on social media: “Ralf talks a lot of bullshit.”

Since Verstappen's message, the duo have had contact - and as far as Scumacher is concerned, there is no lingering hostility.

“Yes, we had contact," Schumacher told the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. 

“He was not rude at all, but made it clear that he thinks differently. Again: I like Jos Verstappen, I like Max Verstappen, so as far as that is concerned everything is fine.

"I think it is also a difficult time for them now, also for a father who is not used to, after all these years and all these successes, suddenly having to answer or explain things."

Schumacher has admitted surprise over Verstappen Sr's hostility to the suggestion.

“That's just not Jos,” he said. “He is a bit more emotional at the moment, maybe a bit irritable or quicker to get hit. 

“But that's also part of it, he's an emotional person. It doesn't bother me.

“I was just a bit surprised, because I always had the feeling that Max, Jos and Helmut Marko have a very close relationship."