Ralf Schumacher acknowledges that his nephew, Mick Schumacher, is nearing a critical juncture in his Formula 1 career.

The early frenzy of this year's 'silly season', spurred by Lewis Hamilton's premature decision to join Ferrari in 2025, has added to the uncertainty.

While Mercedes' Toto Wolff is actively pursuing Max Verstappen to take over Hamilton's role, Ralf Schumacher imagines this could indeed transpire.

"New regulations come into force in 2026," the ex-F1 racer mentioned to Sport Bild. "50 percent of the power will be electric. Mercedes is highly expected to do well while there are big question marks about Red Bull."

"With the ongoing power struggle (at Red Bull), I would definitely be thinking about it if I was him. The idea of getting a team like Mercedes back on track would appeal to him."

"And he really can do it," Schumacher asserted. "Max has an incredible feel for a car and can get those three or tenths extra that even a Hamilton or a (Fernando) Alonso cannot do."

Ralf Schumacher also pointed out that a few crucial openings might emerge for 2025.

"It's still early," he noted, "but Logan Sargeant has to be worried about his cockpit. He makes too many mistakes and costs the team too much with all his accidents."

"But Pierre Gasly has not been convincing so far this year either," he added.

Currently, Gasly is with Alpine, where Ralf's nephew, Mick Schumacher, is competing in the world endurance championship and Le Mans at the top level.

"What definitely works in Mick's favour is that he knows the current car generation and has experience," the 48-year-old commented. "It is also clear that if it doesn't work out for him next year, the Formula 1 chapter will probably be closed."

"But he has a chance," Ralf continued. "One cockpit will probably be free at Williams, possibly two at Haas, and Mick's name will probably also be discussed at Alpine."