Ralf Schumacher says Verstappen would struggle at Mercedes, criticises Hamilton’s leadership

Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen would find life at Mercedes difficult. The former Formula 1 driver also argues that Lewis Hamilton never learned to lead a team. Schumacher made the comments on Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

Schumacher pointed to Verstappen’s technical involvement at Red Bull: he said the Dutchman wants to understand how the gearbox, differential and dampers work. He doubts Mercedes would welcome that level of input, describing the team as already large.

Schumacher sees Ferrari as a better fit, saying it is more accustomed to drivers making demands. In his view, that culture reflects what his brother Michael left behind at the team.

On Hamilton, Schumacher said he had never learned to lead a team under Toto Wolff or Ron Dennis. In Schumacher’s assessment, that was never Hamilton’s job; his role was to drive as fast as possible. He added that he thought this had made Hamilton egotistical.