Guenther Steiner Backs Max Verstappen to Secure the Fastest Car in Formula 1
Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes that Max Verstappen’s future success in the sport is virtually guaranteed, insisting that the four-time world champion will always find himself in the most competitive machinery available.
Despite Red Bull Racing finishing third in the constructors’ standings in both 2024 and 2025, Verstappen has continued to operate at an elite level. He captured the drivers’ championship in 2024 and narrowly missed out on defending his crown in 2025, losing the title by just two points to McLaren’s Lando Norris. McLaren had comfortably secured the constructors’ championship long before the season concluded, yet Verstappen still finished ahead of one of their drivers, Oscar Piastri, in the individual standings.
Verstappen’s 2025 campaign has been widely regarded as one of the finest of his career. In a season where Red Bull were no longer the dominant force, the Dutchman still claimed a remarkable eight race victories — more than any other driver — underlining his ability to extract maximum performance regardless of circumstances. His consistent excellence has only strengthened his reputation across the paddock and intensified speculation surrounding his long-term future with Red Bull.
Mercedes have been repeatedly linked with Verstappen over the past two years, and uncertainty remains over where the 27-year-old will be racing once Formula 1’s sweeping new regulations arrive in 2026. It has been widely suggested that Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull hinges on whether the team can once again deliver a car capable of fighting for championships in the new era.
Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner expressed confidence that Verstappen will always position himself where success is most likely.
“I think Max will always be in the right car,” Steiner said. “He’s extremely smart and he’s surrounded by very smart people. He knows how to make the right decisions.”
Steiner added that Verstappen’s contract situation gives him significant leverage in the driver market, making him the most sought-after talent in Formula 1.
“Whoever has the leading car will want Max Verstappen, and they will make it happen. If it’s not the best car, then it will be the second-best. Max will not put himself in a position where he can’t win.”
Red Bull’s dependence on Verstappen was evident throughout the 2025 season. While the Dutchman consistently fought at the front, his teammate Yuki Tsunoda struggled to make a similar impact, scoring just 30 points across 22 race weekends. The stark contrast highlighted how crucial Verstappen remains to Red Bull’s competitiveness and overall results.
Fully aware of his value, Red Bull are determined to keep Verstappen at the heart of their long-term plans. To do so, the team has embarked on what they describe as a new chapter, designed to re-establish stability and competitiveness ahead of the 2026 regulations.
Earlier in 2025, long-serving team principal Christian Horner was dismissed, bringing an end to a two-decade tenure that oversaw Red Bull’s rise to the top of Formula 1. He was replaced by Laurent Mekies, whose leadership has reportedly helped foster a calmer and more unified atmosphere within the organisation.
Another significant departure came with the retirement of motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull since their debut in 2005 and instrumental in Verstappen’s rise through the junior ranks. With both Horner and Marko gone, Red Bull are hoping the reshaped leadership structure will appeal to Verstappen and convince him that the team remains the best place for him to achieve further success.
The 2026 season will mark a pivotal moment for Red Bull, as they begin producing their own power units in partnership with Ford. The ambitious project represents both a major opportunity and a significant risk, with Mekies tasked with proving that Red Bull can thrive as a full works operation.
Keeping Verstappen motivated and confident in the project will be Mekies’ top priority. As Steiner suggests, Verstappen’s future may ultimately come down to one simple factor: where he believes he can win. Whether that remains at Red Bull or elsewhere, the consensus across the paddock is clear — Max Verstappen will ensure he is driving a car capable of fighting at the very front of Formula 1.
