Ralf Schumacher has given Max Verstappen an ultimatum regarding his recent comments about F1 changes, saying that he should either accept them or leave the sport.
Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the changes, including the new ‘Sprint Shootout’ format being introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which has reduced the number of practice sessions and introduced a separate qualifying session.
Verstappen has suggested that these changes may lead him to reconsider his future in the sport. However, Schumacher, who only started 14 more grands prix than Verstappen has, has advised him to stop complaining and accept the changes or quit altogether.
“The past, the present and the future have shown or will show that Formula 1 is much bigger than any one individual,” Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.
“Bernie Ecclestone is also gone and without him Formula 1 wouldn’t even exist and yet now it’s more successful than ever.
“So Verstappen should either pack up and leave or just accept it as it is. But I do understand his attitude because there are a lot of risks. But still, he gets paid to do it.
“If he wants to go, then he should go. As much as I love him, it won’t kill Formula 1.”
One aspect that Ralf Schumacher, who won six races in his 11-year career, specifically commented on was the multiple restarts that occurred during the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.
“I agree with [Verstappen] on that point. It’s a huge burden for the driver,” Ralf Schumacher said.
“We saw the consequences in Melbourne when you try to do too many starts.”
