Ralf Schumacher believes that Max Verstappen’s public criticism of Formula 1’s new regulations and Red Bull’s struggles to get up to speed in 2026 are the opposite of how his brother, Michael Schumacher, would have addressed the situation.
Max Verstappen missed out on matching Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive drivers’ championships last season by two points to Lando Norris.
Schumacher’s run ended when F1 introduced a new ruleset that didn’t suit Ferrari’s approach to racing, and Red Bull look like they’re in a similar position this year.
Verstappen has privately discussed rule changes with the FIA, but it looks like Red Bull are going to have to settle for being the fourth-best team on the grid over the next few months.
However, the 28-year-old’s decision to come out and suggest that people who enjoy this season of F1 are not real racing fans, and to suggest that Red Bull’s car is ‘particularly bad’ is an approach that Ralf Schumacher admits his brother would have never taken.
“A big problem for us is tyre degradation,” Verstappen told Sky Sports after the race in Shanghai. “We are graining a lot, probably more than the people around us. So that’s one thing we need to solve.
“More problems than expected and also balance-wise, not where we want to be. A lot of stuff, hopefully after Japan, we can make some big steps.”