Max Verstappen could truly leave Formula 1 early, warns ex-Grand Prix star Ralf Schumacher, advising not to overlook the Dutch racer’s intentions.
Max Verstappen might indeed follow through on his threat to leave Formula 1 prematurely, according to former Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher.
The three-time world champion was furious about his penalty for swearing in Singapore last weekend, almost entirely refusing to speak during FIA press conferences and even threatening early retirement if F1 continued on this trajectory.
However, the 26-year-old Dutchman has received almost universal support from other drivers, team directors, and fans.
“Perhaps we should focus on something other than a few words spoken in a fraction of a second,” said Ferrari team boss Frédéric Vasseur.
Norbert Haug, former director of Mercedes F1, said, “I’m amazed that Formula 1 doesn’t have more significant problems than this storm in a teacup.”
“With a beep, everything is settled, and we can then move on to important matters.”
Dr. Helmut Marko, consultant for Red Bull F1, even thinks Verstappen’s attitude after the penalty should be applauded. “Max remains true to his values.”
“He cannot just overlook when he feels he’s been treated unfairly. This could also be interpreted in another way as a positive influence on the youth. ‘Always stay true to your values’ – that could be the message.”
As for Schumacher, he believes Verstappen’s threat to accelerate the end of his Formula 1 career due to the future direction of the sport might well be real.
“I think he will stop if things get worse. Because he is simply independent.”
“He has already made enough money and has always said he wouldn’t drive in Formula 1 forever. So I wouldn’t rule it out.”
Schumacher also thinks the penalty for the word “Fuck” is just the latest in a series of negative experiences for Verstappen.
“Max has a lot to digest right now. There’s the Christian Horner affair, Adrian Newey’s departure, the bouncing car, and then the world championship slowly slipping away. Naturally, one might swear.”
“A warning would have sufficed. The tragic role played by Mohammed Ben Sulayem (the president of the FIA) is like that of our Olaf Scholz – a disaster in terms of communication.”
“He first had troubles with Susie Wolff, then the huge scandal with Liberty Media that nearly cost him his position, then the comments he made during the official award ceremony in Abu Dhabi.”
“I would recommend that the FIA consider something new.”
Lewis Hamilton even advised Verstappen to refuse to carry out the community service penalty.
“It’s obviously a fight,” says Ralf. “Would I fight it? If I were Max’s advisor, I would say that the technical issues are significant enough not to waste energy on this.”
“But he obviously feels unfairly treated and he’s stubborn, and I don’t think Ben Sulayem is smart enough to turn things around. So I would make a virtue out of necessity and embark on an exciting project, maybe to help kids or something.”
“He needs to focus on the car and winning the world championship. And start speaking again at conferences. A boycott like that would only distract him.”
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Verstappen’s Exit Threat: Ralf Urges Caution Verstappen’s Exit Threat: Ralf Urges Caution
