Schumacher makes striking Verstappen prediction: 'He would drive faster'

Max Verstappen has been forecast to drive quicker in Racing Bulls machinery than his current Red Bull if given the opportunity.

Red Bull's RB21 has so far proven a handful, even in the hands of the four-time F1 champion, due to its balance issues.

It has also cost Liam Lawson his seat just two grands prix into his time with the team as the New Zealander is due to be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix.

How Tsunoda will fare will offer Red Bull further indication and validation to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko as to the limitations of the car.

Following his performances in the season-opening double-header in Australia and China, in which he finished second and fourth respectively, sandwiching a third position in the sprint at the Shanghai International Circuit, Verstappen was left in no doubt that he feels the RB21 is the fourth fastest car at present - on race pace - behind McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari. 

As to how he would perform for Racing Bulls, many feel he would be able to extract even more out of the team's car than his Red Bull.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher is someone who sits in that camp.

"Max needs a very special car, and I don't think anyone can handle that," said Schumacher, speaking to Formel1.de. "Therefore, he will probably try to rebuild that car [the Racing Bulls] and make the front axle stronger.

"At the moment, I would estimate that he would then drive faster than he has at the moment at Red Bull."

Updates are due on the Red Bull shortly to address its weaknesses. Schumacher feels if Red Bull can rectify those then Verstappen will be firmly in the drivers' title fight alongside McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

"You hear that they [Red Bull] are working on it at the moment and that they have already made some changes before Japan, or shortly to come after Japan so that they can drive in a better aerodynamic window again," said Schumacher.

"You have to do without downforce right now because of the setup. You can see that with the Red Bull. They are dealing with slightly higher tyre wear and the car is more nervous, especially in the faster corners.

"There is still something to come, so at least let's keep our fingers crossed."