Max Verstappen’s dad goes after Michael Schumacher’s brother for comments on Red Bull star

Jos Verstappen has lambasted Ralf Schumacher, after the broadcaster suggested that his son Max is missing Helmut Marko’s presence at Red Bull

Jos Verstappen has spoken about Ralf Schumacher (Image: Getty)

Jos Verstappen has claimed that Ralf Schumacher “talks a lot of bulls***” after he suggested that his son is missing Helmut Marko’s impact at Red Bull. Despite being a four-time world champion, Max Verstappen has struggled to make a mark in Formula 1 this season thus far, aggrieved by new rules and regulations set out by the FIA.

The Dutch-Belgian driver has claimed time and time again that the new practices have sucked the fun out of the sport, casting his own future in F1 into speculation. As a result of poor performances, Verstappen sits a lowly ninth in the seasonal standings after three races, yet to secure a win or a podium place in Australian Grand Prix, China or Japan. However, Schumacher has since suggested that the team is “missing Marko as a figure to give some kind of guidance.”

However, it’s a sentiment that Jos does not share. Taking to social media, the 54-year-old hit out at the brother of Michael Schumacher, writing: “Ralf talks a lot off [sic] bulls***.”

Marko left his Red Bull motorsport advisor role in December, with Laurent Mekies saying: “It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us. He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades.

“This is therefore the end of a remarkably successful chapter. His departure will leave a void, and we will truly miss him. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his unwavering support, not only over the past months, but also during my early days at Scuderia Toro Rosso.

Ralf Schumacher’s comments were criticised by Jos Verstappen (Image: Getty)

“On a personal note, Helmut, along with [CEO] Oliver Mintzlaff, was the driving force behind bringing me back into the Red Bull family, first in Faenza and then this summer in my current role in Milton Keynes. Helmut is a real racer at heart, always pushing us to the limit, always prepared to take risks in pursuit of our goals.”

It comes as Verstappen revealed that he remains in contact with Marko despite his Red Bull exit alongside the likes of Christian Horner and Adrian Newey. He told PlanetF1 ahead of the Australian Grand Prix: “Maybe a few less Austrian-sided jokes from Helmut, but I’m in touch with him anyway.

“Maybe not so much about details of the car, but just life. I shared so many moments with him so, of course, it will feel a little bit different in the garage, but you also have to just look ahead. You have to think about performance but at the same time, like I said, great relationship and we stay in touch anyway.”