As Verstappen’s Red Bull struggles, Ralf Schumacher hints Alpine could be a surprise contender for the Dutch driver’s next move

As Max Verstappen navigates a challenging season with Red Bull Racing, speculation about his future in Formula 1 is at an all-time high. While Aston Martin and Mercedes are the top contenders for the four-time World Champion, Ralf Schumacher suggests that Alpine might be the “forgotten” option in the driver market.

Schumacher, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, pointed to Alpine’s unexpected rise in form, specifically referencing Pierre Gasly’s impressive seventh-place finish in Bahrain and the team’s strong performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix. With Alpine’s upcoming switch to Mercedes engines in 2025, Schumacher sees potential for growth and competitiveness within the French outfit.

“Flavio Briatore has purchased Mercedes engines for Alpine next year, and the performance improvements have been clear,” Schumacher noted, emphasizing that Alpine’s A525 car could be more capable than it first appeared. While Verstappen’s move to Alpine may seem far-fetched, the former driver believes the team should not be overlooked.

The possibility of such a move is not without intrigue. Verstappen’s long-standing relationship with Honda, which has helped Red Bull’s success, could align well with Alpine’s future plans as a customer of Mercedes. However, it remains to be seen if the Dutch driver, who has been synonymous with Red Bull, will make such a bold move.