Schumacher expects Verstappen to relish possible Antonelli rivalry

Ralf Schumacher expects Max Verstappen to relish a possible rivalry with Kimi Antonelli. On the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher said Verstappen does not become bitter when another driver beats him; instead, he wants to improve. Schumacher called that a strong quality of the four-time F1 champion.

Schumacher hopes Verstappen keeps that attitude. He does not expect the Dutchman to struggle when a younger driver emerges, though he believes tensions between the two will eventually rise.

Red Bull’s recovery came too late for Verstappen to pose a serious threat to Antonelli in the 2026 title fight. Schumacher nevertheless expects the pair to cross paths for years to come.