In today’s Formula 1, no one can ignore Max Verstappen. The Dutchman did not always have the fastest car in the field this year, but miraculously almost managed to keep Lando Norris from his first world title. Verstappen impressed by consistently squeezing the most out of his RB21 and even taking the most wins of anyone in 2025.
Ralf Schumacher has seen enough for a while, judging by his words about the ideal driving duo in Formula 1. The German puts Verstappen and Michael Schumacher forward.
“If I look at the entire Formula 1, I would mention Verstappen next to my brother,” Schumacher said Sky podcast backstage pit lane. “That would be very interesting. They would definitely get along because they are both at a very high level and at the same time very down to earth. I think that would have been a very healthy battle.”
“But purely in terms of level, from my perspective, they are the best drivers there have been since I started following Formula 1. And one still is, the other was.”
Qualities of Schumacher and Verstappen
But what makes the two drivers so unique to Schumacher? “I think above all the ability to perform under pressure and always be faster than his teammates. To really get the most out of the car, get the most out of the team and work together with the team towards one goal. That is something we often talk about.”
Schumacher saw that quality emerge from Verstappen. “Max has clearly managed that very well. He has developed strongly in that area. Others are simply less able to do so. I am not going to mention names now, because then we will have discussions again, but that is exactly where these two clearly distinguish themselves. They are extremely strong.”
