Former team boss Günther Steiner has weighed in on the ongoing rumors surrounding Max Verstappen. The Dutchman continues to be linked with a move to Mercedes, even though it was announced this week that Christian Horner is no longer the team boss at Red Bull. Steiner advises Verstappen not to move to the Silver Arrows until he knows how well the German team has implemented the new 2026 regulations.
With the dismissal of Christian Horner as team boss at Red Bull this week, the uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future with the same team has not been dispelled. The Dutchman has long been linked with a move to Mercedes, especially after George Russell revealed that the Verstappen camp is indeed in talks with the Silver Arrows. Former team boss Günther Steiner is closely following all developments surrounding the four-time world champion. The Italian knows what he would do if he were Verstappen.
Too Big a Risk
“I think Max will stay where he is next year,” Steiner predicts to sport.de. “Of course, completely new engine and car regulations will come into effect. Nobody knows exactly where everyone will stand. To make a move now and sign a long-term contract is too big a risk.” Verstappen currently has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, and Steiner sees no reason for the world champion to terminate it prematurely.
“I think Max will look at how the next season starts, at who then has the best car,” continues the former team boss of Haas. “Of course, as the best driver on the grid, you have the greatest chance of getting into the best car. That’s how Formula 1 works. I think he will wait and see and then decide what he is going to do.” Whether Verstappen indeed follows Steiner’s advice remains to be seen. The Dutchman’s ‘brother-in-law’, Nelson Piquet junior, let slip in a podcast that Verstappen will indeed be driving for Mercedes next year.
