Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen will have similar power at Red Bull to what his brother, Michael Schumacher, had at Ferrari and can envisage the Dutchman picking Lando Norris as his next team-mate. Sergio Perez was once again second best to Verstappen in a disappointing performance for the Mexican driver at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
Perez led the eventful race at at the start after making a smart pit stop for intermediates, but Verstappen soon regained the lead and raced ahead of his team-mate. It went from bad to worse for Perez on lap 63 when he went off the track, ceding second place to Fernando Alonso, only just avoiding beaching his car in the gravel trap.
And he missed out on a podium after picking up a five-second penalty for speeding in the pitlane during the red flag. Christian Horner has once again stuck by his driver, insisting Perez will be given a chance for the 2024 season.
But Schumacher doesn’t think Perez will be given any longer than next year with Red Bull urged to consider their options. The 48-year-old believes Verstappen will have a big say in who Red Bull pick as his next team-mate if Perez is replaced.
Schumacher reveals that his brother had a similar agreement in place at Ferrari and feels Verstappen will want to pick McLaren star Norris. “I could imagine Lando Norris becoming Verstappen’s new team-mate sooner,” he told Sky Germany.
“The two seem to be good friends. I assume that Verstappen will ultimately decide who will be his teammate. This is nothing unusual.
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“That was already the case with Senna, my brother also had this right. When a driver like Verstappen contributes so much to the team’s success, I also think it’s good that you have your back as free as possible.”
Norris has faced repeated questions over his future with McLaren, although he has a contract with the team until the end of the 2025 season. The British star has made it clear that he wants to stay with the team that gave him an opportunity in F1.
He still wants to challenge Verstappen in the same machinery – but would want Verstappen to come join him at McLaren. Norris said at the weekend: “I would love an opportunity to do it in the future. Maybe when Max is bored of winning he can come to McLaren.”
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