Ralf Schumacher: Norris could be Max’s partner

Ralf Schumacher, former Formula 1 driver and now Sky Deutschland expert, who argues in his column on the channel’s website about the results of the weekend in Zandvoort, suggests that Sergio Perez’s next mistake could cost him dearly .

In Zandvoort Max Verstappen celebrated his ninth victory in a row. He rightfully dominates Formula 1, although it is difficult to say whether he will be able to win all races this season. Theoretically it is of course possible, but it cannot be ruled out that he will have bad luck at some point. Perhaps this is the only thing that can stop him, because he does his job just fine.

Behind Red Bull Racing is a very intense rivalry: sometimes Mercedes becomes the second force, sometimes McLaren, and in the Netherlands it was the Aston Martin team, together with Fernando Alonso, as has happened more than once since the start of the season. At the end of the year, Mercedes should still be second in the constructors’ championship, although this team again made serious mistakes in Zanforte, losing many points.

Sergio Pérez again missed when he hit the pit lane entrance barrier, and was also fined for speeding, missing out on 2nd place. Helmut Marko is not seen as particularly sympathetic to him, and I think this makes Sergio nervous – this explains his mistakes. All weekend he looked very upset and confused. I do not exclude that some decisions are already ripening that the team can refuse its services after the end of the season.

Liam Lawson celebrated his Formula 1 debut with AlphaTauri and he will be one of the candidates for a spot on that team for 2024. Marco trusts him very much, although there are other opinions on this matter. Liam did a good job this weekend and did his best. By the way, it is curious that the driver, who previously participated in the DTM series, again entered Formula 1 – this has not happened for a long time.

I can imagine Lando Norris becoming Verstappen’s new partner, and this could happen soon enough. They seem to be good friends, and I assume Max has the final say in selecting candidates for his partners.

There’s nothing unusual about this. Ayrton Senna once had such a right, and so did my brother. When a driver of Verstappen’s caliber is making such a big contribution to the team’s success, I think it’s only right if he knows his rear is well covered.

Logan Sargent looked very depressed after the accident. The American racer is trying to stick with Williams, although last weekend when we spoke to James Vowles, the team principal, he said he was pleased with Sargent’s progress.

But Logan took care of the race as if his future was already sealed. However, this is just my impression. At the same time, a place in Williams can be of interest to many. In fact, I think if he had been offered to Niko Hulkenberg, he would have signed a contract with this team. As for Mick Schumacher’s chances, I wouldn’t overestimate them – there are a lot of young drivers who want to get into Formula 1.