Max Verstappen’s Future at Red Bull: Insights from Guenther Steiner
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has expressed confidence that four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull beyond the current season. Steiner asserts that leaving Red Bull for 2026 would be a "very risky" decision for the Dutch driver.
Speculation around Verstappen’s future intensified when Mercedes chief Toto Wolff indicated he was in discussions with the driver regarding a potential contract. However, Wolff downplayed the likelihood of Verstappen joining Mercedes, particularly as their driver lineup, including George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, remains unsettled.
Adding to the intrigue, Red Bull recently announced the immediate removal of team principal Christian Horner, a situation that could impact team dynamics moving forward.
Steiner elaborated on the complexities surrounding driver contracts in the current environment, stating, "Max will definitely stay at Red Bull for sure, or I think definitely for ’26. He’ll look around and see what happens next year. Changing at the moment and signing a long-term contract is very risky." He also highlighted the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026 and the introduction of Red Bull Powertrains, developed in collaboration with Ford after parting ways with Honda.
With new regulations on the horizon, the competitive landscape of F1 is set to shift dramatically. Steiner remarked, "Max will wait until ’26 to assess the situation. Moving now would be a bit risky because I don’t think anyone would give him a contract for just one year."
In summary, the combination of changing regulations and contractual uncertainties makes it imperative for Verstappen to carefully consider his future, although current indications suggest he is likely to stay at Red Bull for the immediate future.
