Photo: Race Pictures

'I can imagine Verstappen will have real chances to win again'

07:24, 05 Nov

byTobia Elia

Ralf Schumacher believes Max Verstappen could be back in genuine contention for victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

“Verstappen will push in Brazil, I’m pretty sure of that. I can imagine he’ll have real chances to win again"

- Ralf Schumacher

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, the former German driver is placing high expectations on the four-time world champion this weekend.

“Verstappen will push in Brazil, I’m pretty sure of that,” he said. “I can imagine he’ll have real chances to win again. Even in tricky conditions, he’s been incredibly fast. Of course, anything can happen."

Unlike last year, when Verstappen delivered a masterclass in the pouring rain, Schumacher pointed out that the RB21 hasn’t been nearly as dominant in similar conditions this season.

Max Verstappen - Photo: Race Pictures

"Red Bull hasn’t been particularly strong in the wet this year when it did rain, but let’s see. It’s warm there, could go either way."

“All in all, it should be an exciting weekend, especially with what’s happening around them. Can Ferrari hit back again? What about Mercedes? There’s still a lot of intrigue left because no one’s been truly dominant lately."

Why Verstappen can finally catch a breathe ahead of Brazilian GP

The four-time world champion heads to Mexico trailing new championship leader Lando Norris by 36 points. Norris reclaimed the top spot in the standings at the very same venue, displacing his teammate—a position he hadn’t held since the start of the season.

More importantly, though, the Dutchman will finally be racing this weekend without the looming threat of a race ban.

After months of driving under pressure, many of the penalty points he’d accumulated over the past 12 months have now been wiped from his superlicence, allowing him to compete with a clear head.

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