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Max Verstappen in Mexico - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Schumacher warns Verstappen to maintain 'flawless style' in title bid

21:08, 01 Nov

Updated: 21:32, 01 Nov

byLuke-John Buckle

Ralf Schumacher is adamant that Max Verstappen's Formula 1 world championship chances hinge on him minimising any on-track errors.

“The crucial factor will be whether Verstappen maintains his flawless style, or whether he makes a mistake, which has almost never happened so far."

- Ralf Schumacher

Verstappen has performed admirably since the summer break, in particular, and has stood on the podium at all six events since the interval.

The four-time world champion's title charge ignited at the Italian Grand Prix when Red Bull brought a floor upgrade and Verstappen cruised to victory.

Ralf Schumacher told Sky Germany that Verstappen will need to keep up the momentum and avoid errors to win the title.

He said: "Red Bull usually struggles a bit more on street circuits where it's bumpy or gets cool in the evening. In Las Vegas, it gets cool in the evening, which means that Red Bull doesn't have quite as much mechanical grip.

"However, it worked great in Singapore – it was warm there, but not so much in Mexico. Accordingly, Las Vegas will be a difficult one. On the other tracks, I see Red Bull as at least on a par, if not stronger.

"The decisive factor will be whether Verstappen maintains his flawless style – or whether he makes a mistake, which has hardly ever happened so far. After Brazil, it will be decided whether he still has a chance."

Verstappen on the podium in Mexico City - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

After winning three of the four previous events, Verstappen's momentum did stutter slightly last time out in Mexico, where finished third and lost 10 points to the race winner and current championship leader, Lando Norris.

He is currently 36 points behind the McLaren driver in the standings.

Verstappen has much more experience than McLaren's drivers in title battles

Verstappen has won the last four world championships in succession, even coming out on top in a duel with Lewis Hamilton in 2021.

This array of experience is far greater than that of both McLaren drivers, Norris and Oscar Piastri, who haven't yet contested an F1 title battle down to the last race.

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