Just in:Max Verstappen warned against shock…. read more
Guenther Steiner, former Haas F1 team principal, has advised Max Verstappen against making a premature exit from Red Bull Racing, warning that doing so could be risky, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming power unit regulations. Verstappen, who has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, has been the subject of speculation regarding an early departure. Reports suggest his dissatisfaction with some of the team’s recent decisions, including the reshuffling of drivers such as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, may be a contributing factor to these rumors.
Despite this speculation, Verstappen has maintained publicly that he remains content with Red Bull, reaffirming his position during the Chinese Grand Prix. However, Steiner believes that the Dutch driver should wait at least until the conclusion of the 2025 season before considering any major career moves. His reasoning is that the introduction of the new power unit regulations in 2026 will significantly alter the competitive landscape of Formula 1, making it difficult to predict which teams will emerge as front-runners.
Steiner elaborated on the risks associated with an early departure, emphasizing that by the end of 2025, teams will still be adapting to the new regulations. If Verstappen were to leave Red Bull prematurely, he might find himself in a team that ultimately fails to be competitive under the new framework. Waiting until 2026 would allow him to assess how different teams perform under the revised regulations and make a more informed decision about his future.
In the event that Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull, Steiner speculated that Mercedes and Aston Martin would be the most likely destinations. Mercedes, in particular, stands out as a strong contender given its track record of dominance in the sport and its ability to attract top-tier drivers. While Aston Martin could also be an option, especially with design guru Adrian Newey reportedly involved in the team’s 2026 car development, Steiner was more skeptical about other teams.
Regarding Ferrari and McLaren, Steiner expressed doubts about their viability as potential options for Verstappen. He noted that McLaren is an unlikely destination for the Dutchman, while Ferrari does not seem to be a good fit either. While both teams have shown competitive potential in recent years, Steiner does not believe they would be Verstappen’s preferred choices if he were to part ways with Red Bull.
A significant factor in Verstappen’s decision-making process will be the uncertainty surrounding the 2026 regulations. No one in the paddock can accurately predict how the changes will impact team performances, making it a gamble to switch teams prematurely. Steiner stressed that moving too soon could backfire if Verstappen ends up with a team that is unable to consistently compete for race wins and championships under the new rules.
Ultimately, Steiner trusts that Verstappen’s management team will carefully navigate the situation, ensuring that any future moves align with his long-term ambitions. He reiterated the importance of patience, advising that the best approach would be to wait until 2026, when the impact of the new regulations becomes clear. By doing so, Verstappen can position himself in the best possible scenario to continue fighting for championships.
For now, Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull, but the speculation about his future is unlikely to fade anytime soon. With the looming regulatory changes set to shake up the competitive order, all eyes will be on the Dutchman’s next move and whether he ultimately decides to explore opportunities outside of his current team. Until then, the F1 world will continue to speculate on where one of the sport’s most dominant drivers might land if he chooses to make a change.
