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Ralf Schumacher reckons his brother Michael would have approached Formula One's new 2026 regulations and Red Bull's adaption difficulties very differently to Max Verstappen. The Dutch racer has been outspoken in his criticism of the new rules, even claiming that anyone who enjoys this season isn't a genuine racing enthusiast.

Verstappen also indicated Red Bull's 2026 car is 'particularly bad,' a degree of public disapproval that Ralf insists Michael would never have expressed. Following the Shanghai race, Verstappen told Sky Sports that tyre degradation and balance problems were significant weaknesses, noting that the team was 'graining a lot' and had 'more problems than expected.'

"More problems than expected and also balance-wise, not where we want to be," Verstappen said. "A lot of stuff, hopefully after Japan, we can make some big steps."

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Ralf, however, addressed Verstappen's comments during an appearance on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. He said: "I think Max is, you have to say, a top-notch bloke, there's absolutely nothing wrong with him. I think the only thing he's missing right now, and this isn't unusual, is someone to talk to.

"When someone is as successful as Max Verstappen, and I've seen this for myself, it's only natural that there are few people who'll contradict him, and Max would be well advised to listen to either his manager or a good friend, and focus on what's important.

"It's always important to have someone by your side who protects you from making mistakes like that, and I think that's something Max is lacking a bit, because of course, he's used to the fact that, thanks to his success, he could more or less do whatever he wanted."

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Ralf went on to say: "Of course, things are different now. At the moment, he's racing, well, let's say, in the midfield. And what's really important now, and this is the big difference compared to my brother, who has always stood by his team and refrained from public criticism."

"And of course, you need to have a proper chat behind closed doors. I've heard they all flew in together on the same plane. They had a big meeting there. That's important. The next step is that Mekies now needs to demonstrate that he's not just a great leader, but that he might also fill the gaps that have arisen by bringing in staff from outside."

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix weekend kicks off on Friday, 27 March with Free Practice 1 and 2. Free Practice 3 and Qualifying follow on Saturday, March 28, and the Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, March 29.