Ralf Schumacher spots immediate problem with Aston Martin trying to sign Max Verstappen after backing him to leave Red Bull

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has admitted that he’s not going to be very popular within Red Bull circles given his recent comments about Max Verstappen.

Ralf Schumacher has backed Verstappen to leave Red Bull at the end of this season, based on what he’s seen over the past few months.

Red Bull are no longer producing the same dominant cars that helped Max Verstappen become a four-time world champion.

Verstappen hasn’t been happy with Red Bull’s recent decision-making, and the lack of driveability has seen Liam Lawson lose his seat after two races and Yuki Tsunoda struggle on his debut at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Red Bull have Verstappen tied down to a deal that runs until the end of 2028, but there are plenty of performance clauses that the Dutchman could use should he wish to move on.

Aston Martin are making some bold plays away from the paddock to become championship contenders during the next era of Formula 1, which begins with the changing regulations next season.

Adrian Newey has been signed from Red Bull, while Lawrence Stroll has secured exclusive use of Honda’s power units.

But Aston Martin’s interest in Verstappen might be thwarted by an issue they created last season.

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Ralf Schumacher pinpoints contract issue in Aston Martin’s pursuit of Max Verstappen

It was put to Schumacher on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast about the prospect of Verstappen working with Adrian Newey and Honda again, and he said, “Yes, that is of course wonderful.

“From my point of view, I believe that this is also the team of the future at the moment, with what is currently being built up.

“However, both cockpits are still theoretically taken, including for 2026, which means that either the son [Lance Stroll] or Fernando Alonso would have to into early retirement to have this seat.

“I don’t know if that’s going to be a problem, but in any case, if I had the choice, well, I’m German, so I would probably prefer Mercedes, but the idea of Aston Martin and Adrian Newey does sound tempting.”

Aston Martin have no interest in dropping Fernando Alonso at this stage, despite the Spaniard failing to score a point this season.

Lance Stroll has started the season strongly, but neither driver is at the same level as Verstappen.

His father would have to find a way to move one of his two drivers on if Verstappen suddenly became available.

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Ralf Schumacher gives his verdict on Mercedes being an option for Max Verstappen

Schumacher was then asked if he thinks Verstappen could end up at Mercedes next season, and said: “Well, I think it’s a bit engine driven, and I can imagine that Toto Wolff has already missed the chance to have the best man in the car.

“And you really have to take it when it presents itself, and there are still a few races left, I think, that the season, well, that it’s not far into the season until the decision is made.

“It’s the case now, anyway, in the Hamilton example, he decided so early, partly because people are on the market.

“So, a few more races and then Toto Wolff will probably have to say goodbye to a driver.

“There’s still a bit of a discussion as we hear about the finances, so it seems that Mercedes aren’t ready to pay the numbers.”

Toto Wolff has backed both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli this season after their strong starts to the campaign.

However, both drivers are out of contract at the end of the year, which would make letting one of them go easier from a technical standpoint, even if Mercedes have played a key role in their development.

A Verstappen exit from Red Bull at the end of this year still seems unlikely, but if their car isn’t up to scratch in 2026, then the driver’s market could be blown wide open if he decides to seek another challenge.