Wed Sep 18 21:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Verstappen’s Winless Streak Costs Him Millions, Speculation Mounts Over Future
Max Verstappen’s recent struggles on the track are not only hurting his championship hopes but also costing him millions, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher. The Dutchman, who has not won a race since June, has seen his lead in the Drivers’ Championship shrink to a mere 59 points over Lando Norris.
Schumacher, who believes McLaren has surpassed Red Bull in terms of performance, claims Verstappen is losing approximately a million pounds for every race he fails to win. This loss in potential earnings comes on top of the disappointment of his current form.
The speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has intensified, with his contract with Red Bull running until 2028. Reports suggest that a clause in his contract allows him to leave the team if he is not in the top three of the standings by the first few races in 2025.
This news has put pressure on Red Bull to improve their car’s performance and ensure Verstappen’s satisfaction. His potential exit has sparked rumors of a move to Mercedes or even Aston Martin, following Adrian Newey’s recent move to the Silverstone-based team.
Schumacher believes Verstappen’s impatience and lack of tolerance for underperformance might lead him to seek a change of scenery sooner rather than later. Red Bull will need to find a way to recapture their winning ways to keep their star driver happy and committed to the team.
This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix will be a crucial test for the reigning champions as they aim to reverse their recent struggles and keep Verstappen at the top of the championship standings.
First Piper 