Ralf Schumacher Reveals What Verstappen Needs for Championship Battle

The championship thriller is heating up: After Lando Norris's victory in Mexico, Red Bull faces immense pressure in Brazil, as analyzed by Ralf Schumacher. With four races remaining, the championship fight intensifies. Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. For Ralf Schumacher, Interlagos will be the ultimate test for Red Bull's title aspirations.

Why it matters:

After years of dominance, Red Bull and Max Verstappen now find themselves in an unfamiliar chasing position, with the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the championship. This shift in momentum, especially after Norris's Mexico win, signifies a crucial juncture for Red Bull's title defense. The upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix is not just another race; it's a critical litmus test for Verstappen's ability to close the points gap and Red Bull's capacity to deliver under pressure against revitalized McLaren.

The Details:

• Championship Standings: Max Verstappen is currently 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris and one point behind Oscar Piastri.
• Recent Momentum Shift: McLaren returned to winning ways in Mexico, while Red Bull struggled with high altitude conditions and battled Ferrari.
• Schumacher's Take: Sky expert Ralf Schumacher emphasizes the urgency for Red Bull. “The next weekend is absolutely crucial,” he stated on Sky. “Max needs to get closer now and might also need a bit of help.”
• Norris's Resilience: Schumacher acknowledged Norris's strong comeback, noting that “we thought he had mental issues, wasn't always consistent, plus the retirement (in Zandvoort) – it seemed Piastri was pulling away.” However, Norris's resurgence proves that “a lot can still happen in so many races.”
• Verstappen's Potential: Despite Red Bull's struggles in Mexico, Verstappen showed strong pace in the second stint on softer tires. Schumacher predicts, “In Brazil, he can win, in my opinion.”

What's next:

While Brazil offers a clear opportunity, the subsequent races present distinct challenges:

• Las Vegas Grand Prix: Schumacher highlights potential difficulties in Las Vegas. “The Red Bull generally struggles a bit more on street circuits, where it's uneven or gets cool in the evening,” he explained. “In Las Vegas, it will be cool in the evening, meaning Red Bull will lack mechanical grip.”
• Final Races: After Las Vegas, Schumacher expects a more level playing field. “On the remaining tracks, I see Red Bull at least on par, if not stronger,” he said. The decisive statement: “After Brazil, it will be decided whether he still has a chance.”
• Points Opportunity: The Interlagos weekend, featuring both a Sprint race and the Grand Prix, offers a maximum of 33 points, making it a pivotal event for Verstappen to either gain significant ground or fall further behind.