The next Max Verstappen' emerges at Mercedes, limiting Verstappen's options
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 11:30 AM
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
Guenther Steiner, former F1 team principal, indicates Max Verstappen's options for leaving Red Bull are narrowing. He cites Kimi Antonelli's emergence at Mercedes as diminishing the team's interest in Verstappen. Steiner assesses that Ferrari's lineup does not suit Verstappen, leaving McLaren as a potential but uncertain alternative. Meanwhile, Verstappen's teammate, Hadjar, acknowledges the pressure of racing alongside the two-time champion but aims to improve his performance.
- •Steiner claims Mercedes no longer seeks Verstappen
- •Antonelli seen as a rising star at Mercedes
- •Ferrari's current driver lineup excludes Verstappen
- •McLaren perceived as uncertain improvement over Red Bull
- •Hadjar aims to enhance his performance alongside Verstappen
- 11:30 AMMotorsport.com — Mercedes no longer needs Max Verstappen, says Guenther Steiner
- 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — 'The next Max Verstappen' leaves no room for the 'real' Verstappen at Mercedes
"Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner no longer sees Mercedes as a realistic option for Max Verstappen, with the German team already having a superstar of its own in Kimi Antonelli. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Steiner suggested Verstappen would only consider leaving Red Bull for a team capable of offering him a clear competitive advantage, significantly limiting the number of realistic destinations available to the Dutchman.
"Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes' need to sign Max Verstappen has faded, suggesting the Brackley outfit has already found "the next Max Verstappen" in Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen's F1 future has been the subject of paddock rumours for some time, particularly with Red Bull struggling to keep up with Mercedes at the front of the grid in 2026. The Dutchman has ...Keep reading
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comAug 15, 2026, 11:30 AMMercedes no longer needs Max Verstappen, says Guenther Steiner
Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes' need to sign Max Verstappen has faded, suggesting the Brackley outfit has already found "the next Max Verstappen" in Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen's F1 future has been the subject of paddock rumours for some time, particularly with Red Bull struggling to keep up with Mercedes at the front of the grid in 2026. The Dutchman has ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 4:01 PM'The next Max Verstappen' leaves no room for the 'real' Verstappen at Mercedes
Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner no longer sees Mercedes as a realistic option for Max Verstappen, with the German team already having a superstar of its own in Kimi Antonelli. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Steiner suggested Verstappen would only consider leaving Red Bull for a team capable of offering him a clear competitive advantage, significantly limiting the number of realistic destinations available to the Dutchman.
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