The standard set by Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher could be the reason why Max Verstappen may retire young, the German's brother has suggested.
Seven-time world champion Schumacher achieved things in F1 that no-one before him had managed. Only Lewis Hamilton has managed to match or beat his records since, though, with two titles to his name already at the age of 25, Verstappen looks well positioned to join them in the future.
But he might not be in the sport for long enough to do so. He is contracted to Red Bull until the eight of the 2028 season, when he will be 31 years old, and the Dutchman has been hinting that he may opt to quit racing in F1 rather than sign a new deal.
Touching on those hints and his brother's remarkable legacy, Ralf Schumacher believes the standards set by Michael may well be one of the main reason's behind Verstappen's reluctance to commit to a long career in the sport.
"One thing is certain: Max is close to his zenith and can hold it for a long time due to his age," said the six-time race winner, during his own F1 days. "Lewis has to do more to be at the limit, fight more for it. With Max, however, I ask myself another question: How long does he still want to play in Formula 1?
"He has already hinted a few times that he does not want to drive for another ten years. I trust him to say at some point: 'Bye, that's it. I'll be gone!' The constant travel could be a reason. Although we had fewer races in my time, it was too much for me at the end of my career.
"One thing must not be forgotten: The whole life depends on Formula 1. It starts when you get up and stops when you fall asleep. There is not much family life. Then there is the extreme training. My brother raised the fitness level to a new level. Parties are not in there.
"That's why Kimi Raikkonen must have been an ultra-mega talent, because he still won the title despite his sometimes easy-going lifestyle. But only once. But that was enough for him. Had Kimi been more disciplined, he would have achieved much more.
"Max and Lewis are still the most complete drivers in the field. However, as I said: Lewis had to fight hard with [ Mercedes team-mate] George Russell within the team. Max with [Red Bull team-mate] Sergio Perez only briefly at the beginning of the season."
