Schumacher is uncertain that Leclerc will ever secure a title with Ferrari.

      Charles Leclerc has the potential to become a world champion if he is in the right car, but likely not with Ferrari, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher. In an interview with Sky Deutschland, Schumacher acknowledged Leclerc's championship-worthy talent but expressed skepticism about Ferrari's current environment being conducive to winning a title.

      "In a McLaren, definitely - just like Norris last year - there’s no doubt about that," Schumacher stated. "Is he a Max Verstappen? No, he isn’t." Nonetheless, he commended Leclerc on a personal level, noting, "I believe he has the potential. By the way, he’s also an incredibly kind, nice guy in terms of personality."

      Schumacher pointed out that Ferrari's structural issues persist despite Fred Vasseur taking over as team principal. "Ferrari is Ferrari, and even Fred Vasseur alone won’t be enough," he remarked. "Therefore, the question is: Can he ever become world champion in this team, in this setup?"

      He speculated that Max Verstappen could potentially thrive at Ferrari, but only due to his exceptional talent. "Anything is conceivable," he commented. "Many drivers desperately want to go to Ferrari - it's something very special as a brand in Formula 1." However, Schumacher ultimately doubts that Ferrari would be the right fit for Verstappen.

      "I think Max feels very comfortable at Mercedes," he noted, referencing Verstappen's new GT3 endeavors. "Also with the GT3 setup and the teams that work together there, as well as the Mercedes engine. They’re always building the best engines." He expressed that it’s hard to envision Verstappen in Ferrari’s current political and operational climate.

      "Max would then have to subordinate himself to this structure in a certain way - and he’s not like that," Schumacher said. The impending departure of longtime race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren reinforces this perspective. "He’s just as used to being a team leader," Schumacher said regarding Verstappen. "But if he comes into this team alone, which isn’t functioning well right now, he won’t be able to handle it as a driver."

      Schumacher likened the situation to his brother Michael Schumacher's time at Ferrari, stating, "My brother brought a group of people with him back then who really worked together brilliantly. But going there alone as a driver, I don’t think that’s enough." Thus, he believes Verstappen may only be able to move to Mercedes or McLaren.