After nine Grand Prix races, Max Verstappen remains in third place in the world championship. Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ standings after an impressive start to the season, closely followed by teammate Lando Norris. Verstappen is still 39 points behind the Brit. According to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher, the championship is out of reach for Verstappen this year.
“I think the title is an illusion for Verstappen this year,” Schumacher declared to the German branch of Sky Sports. “Max may be able to make a difference, but not always. The car is not performing well, and unfortunately, neither is the team.” Red Bull came under fire after some questionable decisions during the recent Spanish GP. Partly due to the team’s strategy, Verstappen ran into trouble in the final stages of the race.
‘Verstappen stands no chance’
Red Bull has had a dominant period in recent years, but this season they are falling behind McLaren. The ‘papayas’ once again have a formidable car – this time right from the opening race in Melbourne. Schumacher is clear, Verstappen cannot single-handedly beat McLaren. “Max cannot bridge the gap in the long term,” he explained. “He stands no chance, unless both McLaren drivers knock each other off the track.”
The Formula 1 heads to Montreal for the Canadian GP next weekend. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the setting for this tenth round of the season. Verstappen won the last three editions, but whether he can triumph again this year is uncertain – Schumacher has his doubts. “I would almost say that McLaren can only defeat itself,” the German stated. “I think Verstappen will get a bit closer, partly because Red Bull handles the tires a bit better. It’s a unique circuit, and you should never forget the unpredictable weather conditions in Canada,” he concluded. “We’ve seen that so often there.” Despite these uncertainties, his conclusion is clear: “McLaren, the all-rounder, will do well.”
