Steiner Sees 'Next Verstappen' Potential in 2025 Rookie Class

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes the 2025 F1 rookie class contains several drivers with the potential to emulate Max Verstappen's success. While it's too early to make definitive calls, Steiner highlighted the promise shown by Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Kimi Antonelli, and Isack Hadjar, noting that their true test begins now.

Why it matters:

The search for F1's next superstar is a constant narrative. With Verstappen established as the benchmark, the emergence of a new generational talent could redefine the sport's competitive order. The development of these rookies will not only shape their respective teams' futures but also determine the next great rivalry in Formula 1.

The details:

• Steiner praised the entire rookie class, stating "no rookie has performed poorly this year" and that they all have a chance to reach the top.
• Oliver Bearman: The Haas driver, already earmarked for a future Ferrari seat, showed "glimpses of his talent" and is included in Steiner's list of potential stars.
• Gabriel Bortoleto: The Sauber driver impressed Steiner by showing his true pace once the car became more competitive, highlighted by his ability to beat a seasoned teammate like Nico Hülkenberg in qualifying.
• High-Pressure Environments: Isack Hadjar now faces the ultimate test as Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull, while Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes must close the performance gap to George Russell in 2026.

What's next:

Steiner warns that the next two to three seasons are critical for these young drivers. They must "really deliver" to secure their long-term futures in the "tough business" of Formula 1. While the opportunity to reach the very top is there, Steiner cautions that a generational talent like Verstappen is a rare phenomenon, and consistent performance is the only currency that matters.