Verstappen would lose Red Bull privileges elsewhere
"Where else would an entire team be built around him?"
Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen would have to accept significant compromises if he decides to leave Red Bull.
With McLaren now emerging as the latest team linked with the four-time world champion, Schumacher doubts another destination would offer the same advantages.
"McLaren would probably be interested, but he wouldn’t be the number 1 driver there, like he is now at Red Bull," the German told Sky Deutschland.
"The entire team is built around him. He also wouldn’t be a works driver anymore. I’m not sure that’s always the ideal situation."
Schumacher also questioned whether a customer Mercedes engine would be ideal.
"Mercedes supplies everyone with the same power units, but when it comes to, for example, test engines or a new specification, the works team might still get them a little earlier. I don’t think that’s necessarily a positive."
He also urged Verstappen to remember Red Bull’s role in his career.
"It was Helmut Marko who discovered his talent, and Red Bull who invested in him," Schumacher said. "So there’s certainly a sense of gratitude here.
"Where else would an entire team be built around him? Maybe at McLaren. But where does he have an entire team built around him? Only at Red Bull. So I’d be careful."
"So one thing that’s very important is that you shouldn’t underestimate Red Bull. I think a lot has happened, there’s been plenty of discussion, and it’s probably along the lines of: ’If this works, then I’ll stay.’ But eventually, that phase also comes to an end. This human factor that shouldn’t be underestimated. Where did Max Verstappen come from? In the end, Red Bull made him what he is today. That’s only fair to say."