Steiner Believes Verstappen Will Avoid Alonso's 'Wrong Car' Mistakes

Former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner believes Max Verstappen's career acumen will keep him in championship-contending cars, unlike Fernando Alonso, whom he accuses of consistently making poor team choices. Steiner praised Verstappen's intelligence and the smart team around him, suggesting the four-time champion has already planned his future moves to avoid being stuck in an uncompetitive machine. This direct comparison highlights the different career trajectories of two F1 greats, defined not just by talent, but by strategic decisions.

Why it matters:

In Formula 1, driver talent is only half the battle; being in the right car at the right time is crucial for building a legacy and winning championships. Steiner's comments tap into the long-running debate about driver versus team, suggesting Verstappen is strategically positioning himself for sustained success. It also reignites the discussion around Alonso's "what if" career, defined by incredible talent often trapped in subpar machinery.

The details:

• Steiner asserted that Verstappen is "very smart and surrounded by smart people," and has already planned his career moves to avoid pitfalls, stating, "He’s already planned for that; he’s not going to make a move like... Fernando Alonso."
• He took a direct shot at Alonso, stating the two-time champion "was very good at picking the wrong car all the time," which ultimately hindered his ability to add to his 2005 and 2006 titles despite his immense talent.
• The former boss credits Verstappen's inner circle, including his father Jos Verstappen and manager Raymond Vermeulen, for ensuring he remains in a competitive environment.
• Steiner speculates that Verstappen's contract with Red Bull is structured to allow a move to whichever team has the "leading car," giving him the flexibility to chase championships regardless of Red Bull's future performance.

Looking Ahead:

Steiner's comments serve as a strong vote of confidence in Verstappen's strategic mind, suggesting his dominance could extend beyond the current Red Bull era. For Alonso, the remarks are a stark reminder of how his career is often perceived, regardless of his undeniable talent. As F1 heads toward the 2026 regulation changes, the ability to choose the right partner will be more critical than ever, a test both drivers will face in different stages of their careers.