Ralf Schumacher has expressed confidence that Max Verstappen is about to part ways with Red Bull.

Verstappen has consistently been linked with an exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad amid its decline in form over the last 12 months.

Mercedes has been touted as a potential destination for the four-time champion ahead of the new technical regulations being introduced next year.

Major change has already occurred at Red Bull, with Christian Horner being axed as team principal midway through the current campaign.

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher believes Verstappen will be next out the door.

“Well, what can I say? No doubt no one in Salzburg will want to hear this, but the omens are not exactly favourable for Red Bull at the moment,” he said.

“That means Max Verstappen will have to look elsewhere anyway if he wants to achieve success again in the short term. 

“At least I think so, because we should also not forget that new engines are coming and with them anything is still possible.” 

While Schumacher has backed Verstappen to make the switch to Mercedes, the six-time race winner believes it will be difficult for Verstappen to say goodbye to Red Bull.

“That’s why I really think his journey will continue at Mercedes, although I can imagine he could have a hard time with that too,” he said.

“He is obviously attached to Red Bull. We’ve talked about it more than once, that he owes Red Bull an awful lot.

“But his management and his father, who has been in F1 for a long time himself, already know where he is going. So I really think it will be Mercedes.”