Ralf Schumacher has criticised Max Verstappen's response to the difficulties he encountered at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver failed to finish on Sunday after withdrawing early due to a problem with his car.

The four-time world champion has endured a disappointing start to the new F1 season. The 28-year-old, who came sixth in the Australian GP last weekend, was repeatedly outspoken about the problems he was experiencing in Shanghai.

While Kimi Antonelli celebrated his maiden Grand Prix triumph, Verstappen was left questioning how his campaign could get better. He qualified eighth and was critical throughout the week, branding the Red Bull car "undriveable".

Verstappen has grown used to competing for the world championship but the new regulations have prompted a shift. Former F1 driver Schumacher appreciates the Red Bull star's frustration but has called on the Dutchman to change his behaviour.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page

"Max has proven that he is the fastest driver," Schumacher said on Sky Sport Deutschland. "Now he needs to help his team, which is having problems and stop complaining.

• Max Verstappen kicks off over 'joke' F1 cars as Red Bull retirement reason revealed

• George Russell given reality check by Lewis Hamilton during private chat at Chinese GP

"The fact that he then simply wants to drive in a different racing series... you can do that, but you don't have to."

It was recently revealed that he will take part in the forthcoming Nurburgring endurance race, which takes place a week before the Canadian GP in May. Meanwhile, Schumacher, who won six F1 races during his career, questioned why Verstappen has raised concerns about the new regulations.

He added: "These new rules were decided four years ago. Back then, everyone only wanted electric vehicles, you mustn't forget that. Many teams invested an incredible amount of money here."

Having previously joked about using Mario Kart as an alternative to simulator training and suffering a disastrous first day on the track, finishing eighth in qualifying did not surprise Verstappen. "It's incredibly tough to drive - there's no balance, I cannot lean on the car. Every lap is a fight," he said.

"It's just very difficult. Every time I did another lap on a new tyre set it felt awful."

Verstappen was not the only driver to endure a weekend to forget. Both McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri did not make it to the grid after their cars were withdrawn.

Meanwhile, it proved to be the highlight of Antonelli's young career as he fended off team-mate George Russell to secure victory. Lewis Hamilton came third to claim his first podium place with Ferrari.