Jos Verstappen attacks Ralf Schumacher
Jos Verstappen has launched a strong attack on Ralf Schumacher after the German claimed that Max Verstappen misses Helmut Marko. “Ralf is just talking a load of nonsense,” the Dutchman said, showing little concern for using more politically correct language.
Max Verstappen has endured a frustrating start to the season with Red Bull. In fact, he has managed to score only 12 points in the opening three races, on top of dealing with several issues affecting the car.
The four-time world champion has not hidden his dissatisfaction with the new regulations introduced this season. Verstappen feels so “uncomfortable” with the current situation that he has even considered the possibility of retiring from Formula 1.
Last week, the driver from Hasselt suffered another blow. His long-time race engineer, GianPiero “GP” Lambiase, is set to move to McLaren in 2028.
This announcement came after another key member of Verstappen’s team, Ole Schack, confirmed his departure from the Austrian squad. Jon Caller, Verstappen’s number one mechanic, has also reportedly resigned just months after his twin brother Matt left Red Bull to join the Audi project.
Red Bull has gone through a turbulent couple of years off the track, marked by the departure of several high-profile figures, including Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, in addition to Helmut Marko.
Helmut Marko still present
Ralf Schumacher, former Williams and Toyota driver, recently stated: “Red Bull misses Marko as a reference figure.” This prompted a sharp response from Jos Verstappen, who wrote in a post: “Ralf is talking a lot of nonsense.”
The comments from Verstappen Senior came after his son revealed that he has remained in contact with Marko despite his departure from the company last December.
Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of the season, Verstappen had told the media: “Maybe a few fewer jokes in favour of Austria from Helmut, but I’m still in contact with him.”
“Maybe not so much about the car’s details, but about life in general. I’ve shared many moments with him. It will be a bit different in the garage now, but you also have to look forward.”
He then concluded: “You have to focus on performance. But at the same time, we have a great relationship.”
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team principal, recently commented: “Marko remains very open and available towards us, despite his formal separation from Red Bull.”
Last week, Helmut Marko, winner of the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans, was named ambassador of the Red Bull Ring, the circuit that hosts the Austrian Grand Prix. Marko also competed in a total of nine Formula 1 races with the Bonnier and BRM teams between 1971 and 1972.
The fiery response from Jos Verstappen shows that while the “old guard” at Red Bull may have officially changed, the protective circle around Max remains as vocal as ever. Despite the exodus of key staff like Lambiase and Newey, the Verstappens seem intent on shutting down any narrative that suggests the team is in a state of terminal collapse.
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