Guenther Steiner does not understand why Mercedes would recruit Max Verstappen as such an operation could destabilize the team: Toto Wolff is “too smart” to take such a risk.
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The future of Max Verstappen has been the subject of much speculation for several weeks.
In addition to his criticisms regarding the cars from the new 2026 regulations, the four-time world champion has to deal with the difficulties faced by Red Bull.
Squaring the circle
During the recent British Grand Prix, the Dutchman notably suffered a rear wing failure that sent him into the gravel trap and forced him to retire. Verstappen then did not hide his anger on the radio over the performance and reliability issues of the RB22. This situation logically reignited the rumors about his future, with Mercedes and McLaren regularly mentioned as possible destinations.
Guest on the podcast The Red Flags, Guenther Steiner was however very skeptical about a possible arrival of Verstappen at Mercedes. According to him, the German team has no reason to upset its current balance: “But where could he go? If he is not satisfied at Red Bull, there are teams he could join, but they do not necessarily have the means to pay him nor the car he wants.”
Steiner especially believes that Mercedes already has a duo performing well enough not to need the four-time world champion: “Why would Mercedes recruit him? Mercedes already has the next superstar and a very good driver with George.”
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Not to unsettle Antonelli
The former boss of Haas here refers to Kimi Antonelli, currently leading the world championship, and to George Russell, who continues to show an excellent level of performance: “Why spend much more money to bring Max? The only way Max could arrive would be if George leaves.”
For Steiner, recruiting Verstappen would also represent a risk for Antonelli’s progress, who has become the new leader of Mercedes since the start of the season: “Max costs much more than George and could perhaps destabilize Kimi. Why would Toto do that? In my opinion, Toto is too smart to make such a decision, and it would cost much more.”
After fighting for the world title in 2025, ultimately won by Lando Norris, Max Verstappen is experiencing a much more difficult start to the 2026 season. After nine rounds, the Red Bull driver is only seventh in the championship with 76 points, far behind Antonelli, leader of the standings with 179 points.
Under these conditions, speculation about Verstappen’s future should continue to fuel the paddock. But for Steiner, a move to Mercedes would simply make no sense, both sportingly and financially.
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