Bearman suggested that Verstappen might leave Red Bull.

      "Carlos Sainz is another capable driver."

      Ralf Schumacher posits that if Max Verstappen were to leave, Oliver Bearman would be Red Bull’s top pick. He also hinted that the recent notable meeting between Verstappen’s management and Dr. Helmut Marko was more about the future of the Dutch driver rather than a move to reinstate Marko. With ongoing speculation surrounding Verstappen's career, Schumacher was asked whom Red Bull should pursue if the four-time champion departs.

      "If it were feasible to acquire him, my primary selection would be Oliver Bearman, especially if they lack confidence in Hadjar," he stated to Sky Deutschland.

      "Carlos Sainz is also a strong driver. The only downside is that he has yet to demonstrate his ability to contend for the world championship, though he has performed admirably."

      Schumacher mentioned that Bearman possesses all the attributes necessary to excel in Formula 1.

      "If Hamilton is nearing the end of his career, then we must question why they would let such a talent slip away," the German added.

      He also commented on Oscar Piastri, who has been associated with a potential move to Red Bull amid ongoing rumors concerning Verstappen and McLaren. "I think Piastri fits more into the Carlos Sainz category – and he has undergone changes," Schumacher remarked.

      "I believe he experienced some challenges due to internal team conflicts last year, and it didn’t help that he felt his equipment was not on par with his teammate's. That affected him, and it seems he is not entirely content at the moment."

      However, Schumacher advised Verstappen to remain grounded amid the ongoing transfer discussions.

      "He needs to be cautious not to lose himself," he cautioned.

      He expressed skepticism that last week’s meeting in Amsterdam, involving Jos Verstappen, manager Vermeulen, and former Red Bull advisor Marko, was about reinstating the 83-year-old Austrian back into Formula 1.

      "I can't envision that," he said when questioned about a potential Marko return. "I think he’s somewhat satisfied with his current situation. While it may not have been an easy choice, he seems to have accepted it."

      Schumacher believes that Red Bull has already progressed under Laurent Mekies’ leadership.

      "Dr. Marko has immense experience, but he is not the youngest," he remarked. "Things have evolved. Mekies is in place now, and I think they’re relying on different individuals."

      Nevertheless, he feels Verstappen’s team is now starting to recognize just how crucial Marko was behind the scenes, having "underestimated" his impact.

      Schumacher emphasized the significance of the Amsterdam meeting.

      "If it were simply a meeting with Max’s father, I would have thought, 'Alright, perhaps they’re just having a coffee,'" he stated. "But the presence of the manager, the father, and the setting in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, carries a different connotation."

      Rather than focusing on a Marko return, Schumacher suspects the discussions revolved around Verstappen’s future decisions.

      "Perhaps it was a discussion on how he perceives the current situation," he noted. "Is there another opportunity? What actions should be taken at Red Bull? That seems much more plausible."