
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has called on four-time world champion Max Verstappen to focus on helping Red Bull rather than continuing to criticize Formula 1.
The opinion of the former driver
Red Bull’s debut with its new power unit could not avoid the typical challenges and teething problems, and these expectations have been confirmed both positively and negatively. On the bright side, the Red Bull power unit has performed well, and technical retirements were to be expected. In Australia, Isack Hadjar retired from the race, while in China the team called Verstappen into the pits when the Dutchman was in sixth position, shortly before he visibly slowed down on track.
Red Bull’s main problem at the moment, however, is that the RB22 is not a strong car in terms of chassis, suspension, and aerodynamic performance. Its cornering abilities are lacking, leaving the team stuck in the mid-pack alongside Haas, Alpine, Audi, and Racing Bulls.
The new regulations have also left Max Verstappen frustrated, but Ralf Schumacher stressed that the Dutch driver should stop complaining and focus on helping Red Bull out of its current difficulties. “Verstappen has already proven to be the fastest of all,” said Ralf Schumacher as a Sky Deutschland pundit. “Now, however, he needs to help his team, which is going through a tough period, and stop complaining. Does he want to race in another category? He can do that. These new rules were set four years ago; back then, all teams wanted the electric component to grow relative to the thermal. That must not be forgotten. Many teams have invested an incredible amount of money for this regulation.”
The internal pressure at Red Bull is reaching a boiling point. With the Japan Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix up next and the European leg of the season approaching, the focus will be on whether Max Verstappen can channel his frustration into the simulator and the engineering office. If he can bridge the gap between his “attacker” instinct and the calculated needs of the RB22, there is still hope for a turnaround. If not, the “Mario Kart” complaints might be the least of Red Bull’s worries as they fight to stay relevant in the top ten.



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