Max Verstappen could be TEMPTED to join Mercedes claims Ralf Schumacher

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F1 News & Gossip

Schumacher believes Verstappen could be TEMPTED to join Mercedes

The F1 pundit reckons Max Verstappen might do the unthinkable

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Saturday 1 June 2024 23:59

Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen could be tempted to depart Red Bull in pursuit of a new challenge at a rival Formula 1 team.

Speculation over the future of the three-time world champion has been ever-present throughout 2024, with rumours suggesting the Dutchman may soon be looking to move on.

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It has already been a tumultuous start to the campaign for Red Bull off-track, with the scandal surrounding team principal Christian Horner believed to have played a part in design guru Adrian Newey opting to resign from his post at the beginning of May.

Despite enjoying a strong start to the campaign, Verstappen himself has struggled with performance in recent weeks, having been beaten by Lando Norris in Miami and, most recently, finishing in the unfamiliar position of sixth spot at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Will Verstappen join Mercedes?

Now, former Williams driver Schumacher - brother of Ferrari legend Michael - has suggested that Verstappen may soon be ready for a fresh adventure at Mercedes.

Team principal Toto Wolff has previously admitted he would love to secure Verstappen's signature as the Austrian searches for a replacement for outgoing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join Ferrari next season.

In an interview with Sport Bild, Schumacher claimed Mercedes would offer a unique 'appeal' as Verstappen considers his future.

"The rift and the ongoing power struggle would definitely make me think about it [moving] if I were him," the German said.