Ralf Schumacher has cautioned that Max Verstappen could face significant difficulties during the forthcoming Formula 1 campaign should Red Bull's new machinery fail to suit his preferences.
The former Grand Prix driver expressed his concerns on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, suggesting that aerodynamic changes under the 2026 regulations could prove problematic.
"If the car suddenly generates brutal understeer, let's say like in Max Verstappen's case, and it's just not possible in terms of design [to fix]," Schumacher explained.
"If that's always the case, then Max will have to change his driving style. If he doesn't, he'll overload the front tyres, and then he won't stand a chance."
Max Verstappen 'won't stand a chance' next season at Red Bull if a major change isn't made, says Ralf Schumacher
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The Milton Keynes outfit enters uncharted territory this season as they debut their first in-house power unit, developed in partnership with Ford.
This marks a significant departure from the Honda engines that propelled Verstappen to all four of his world championship titles between 2021 and 2024.
Concerns have already emerged regarding the reliability of the new RBPT DM01 unit, with Racing Bulls encountering starting difficulties during a shakedown at Imola when the power unit made its inaugural track appearance.
Rival teams suspect Red Bull may have identified a loophole in the 2026 engine regulations, though questions persist about the overall performance capability of their new machinery.
Red Bull are set to debut their first in-house power unit, developed in partnership with Ford
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Team principal Laurent Mekies maintains that the four-time world champion remains fully invested in Red Bull's ambitious engine project despite the inherent uncertainties.
"One of the many incredible things with Max is that he's not sitting outside of the project, watching what we do and judging what we do," Mekies told the F1 website.
"He is in the project. He takes the risk with us, he's aware of the risk-taking. He's aware that we take risks, as do Ford.
"He's aware of the scale of the challenge."
Mekies anticipates persistent speculation about Verstappen's contentment throughout the season, acknowledging that such enquiries arose at virtually every race during 2025.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has admitted he faces speculation over Max Verstappen's future
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Verstappen himself has expressed confidence in Red Bull's readiness for the regulatory overhaul, dismissing suggestions that the transition has caught the team off guard.
"The team is prepared for that, and it's not like it comes as a shock," the Dutchman told Bloomberg.
"It's also a bit of a new challenge. I enjoyed the cars the last three years, but at the same time sometimes, yeah, it doesn't hurt to have a bit of a change."
The 28-year-old is presently ruling out any departure from Milton Keynes, with his intention being to honour his contract through to 2028.