Ralf Schumacher calms Jos Verstappen row

Ralf Schumacher says he has already spoken with Jos Verstappen after Jos publicly said he “talks a lot of bullshit,” and insists there is no real fallout even as he stands by his view that Red Bull is feeling the loss of Helmut Marko.

The exchange followed Schumacher’s criticism of Red Bull’s internal situation during the team’s difficult period. The former Formula 1 driver and Sky F1 Germany consultant had argued that Max Verstappen is missing “a type like Helmut Marko,” describing Marko as the figure who used to explain tough situations publicly instead of leaving that burden to the reigning world champion.

Jos Verstappen hit back on social media with a blunt response, but Schumacher said the dispute did not escalate beyond that. Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher said: “Yes, we had contact. He was not rude at all, but made it clear that he thinks differently. Again: I like Jos Verstappen, I like Max Verstappen, so as far as that is concerned everything is fine.”

Schumacher suggested the reaction said more about the pressure around Red Bull than about any lasting personal break. He said it is “a difficult time for them now,” especially for “a father who is not used to, after all these years and all these successes, suddenly having to answer or explain things.” He added that Jos seemed “a bit more emotional at the moment, maybe a bit irritable or quicker to get hit,” but said that did not bother him.

Even while trying to calm the situation, Schumacher did not retreat from his main point. He said Marko’s absence is noticeable because the Austrian had long acted as a public spokesman for Red Bull and could put difficult moments into context. “That’s what is missing a bit at the moment,” Schumacher said, adding that he does not believe it should “always” be Max’s job to carry that responsibility.

Marko left Red Bull at the end of 2025 after two decades with the Milton Keynes-based team, and Schumacher’s argument is that his departure has removed a layer of protection around Verstappen at a time when Red Bull is under far more scrutiny than it was during its run of success.