Ralf Schumacher Predicts Verstappen's Return to Winning Form in Brazil

Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen could be a genuine contender for victory at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, despite Red Bull's inconsistent performance in wet conditions this season. Schumacher, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, expressed high expectations for the four-time world champion.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's potential return to top form in Brazil could significantly impact the championship race, especially with the driver’s standings tightening. After a period of relentless pressure, the Dutchman also heads into the weekend with a clean slate regarding his superlicence penalty points, which could provide a crucial mental edge.

The details:

• Schumacher's Optimism: Ralf Schumacher confidently stated, “Verstappen will push in Brazil, I’m pretty sure of that. I can imagine he’ll have real chances to win again.” He highlighted Verstappen’s exceptional speed even in challenging conditions.
• Wet Weather Concerns: Unlike last year, when Verstappen dominated in the rain, Schumacher noted that the RB21 has not shown the same superiority in similar conditions this season. “Red Bull hasn’t been particularly strong in the wet this year when it did rain, but let’s see,” he added, considering the unpredictable Brazilian weather.
• Competitive Landscape: Schumacher anticipates an exciting weekend, pointing to the renewed competitiveness among the top teams. He specifically mentioned Ferrari and Mercedes, suggesting that no single team has been truly dominant lately, adding intrigue to the race.

The big picture:

Verstappen arrives in Brazil trailing new championship leader Lando Norris by 36 points, a significant gap that developed after Norris reclaimed the top spot. The context of the season so far, where dominance has shifted, sets the stage for a potentially thrilling end to the championship.

What's next:

With many of his accumulated penalty points now wiped from his superlicence, Verstappen can compete with a clearer head, free from the immediate threat of a race ban. If Schumacher’s prediction holds true, and Verstappen can capitalize on the evolving competitive dynamics, Brazil could be a pivotal race in his quest to close the gap to Norris and reclaim the championship lead.