Max Verstappen's threat to quit Formula 1 early might not be just talk, according to former grand prix winner Ralf Schumacher.
The three-time world champion was outraged by his penalty for swearing in Singapore, and later almost completely refused to talk in follow-up FIA press conferences. He even hinted at the possibility of retiring ahead of schedule.
The 26-year-old Dutchman, however, has received broad support.
"Maybe we should focus on other things than just a few words that are spoken in a split second," Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur commented.
Former Mercedes F1 boss Norbert Haug echoed this sentiment, telling Sport1: "I am astonished that Formula 1 has no more important issues than this storm in a teacup.
"With a 'beep', everything is done and then we can move on to the important things."
Red Bull F1 consultant Dr. Helmut Marko even praised Verstappen for his response. "Max stands by his values," the 81-year-old Austrian explained to f1-insider.com.
"He can't just ignore it when he feels he's being treated unfairly. So this could also be interpreted the other way round as a positive influence on young people. 'Always stand by your values' - that could be the message."
Schumacher, however, believes Verstappen's threat to walk away from Formula 1, driven by the sport's 'soft' future direction, could be more serious than some think.
"I think he'll stop if things escalate," Ralf said. "Because he is simply independent.
"He has already earned enough money and has always said that he will not drive in Formula 1 forever. So I wouldn't rule it out."
Schumacher also noted that Verstappen has been through several challenges recently. "Max has a lot going on," Ralf added.
"There's the Christian Horner affair, the departure of Adrian Newey, the bouncing car and then the world championship slowly slipping away from him. Of course you then curse sometimes."
"A warning would have been enough," Schumacher remarked. "The tragic role played by (FIA president) Mohammed Ben Sulayem is like our Olaf Scholz - a disaster in terms of communication.
"First he gets into trouble with Susie Wolff, then the huge scandal with Liberty Media that almost cost him his job, then the comments he made at the official award ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
"I would recommend that the FIA think about something new," the German concluded.
Lewis Hamilton has even suggested that Verstappen refuse to comply with the community service penalty.
"It's obviously a fight," said Ralf. "Would I fight it? If I was Max's advisor, I would say that the problems on the technical side are big enough.
"He obviously feels unfairly treated and is being stubborn, but I don't think Ben Sulayem is clever enough to reverse the whole thing. So I would make a virtue out of necessity and take on a passion project and maybe help children or something.
"He needs to concentrate in the car and win the world championship. A boycott like that would only distract him."
