Steiner: Verstappen Will Avoid Alonso's Career Mistakes
Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen is too smart to make the same career mistakes as Fernando Alonso, ensuring he'll always be in a competitive car to fight for titles.
After narrowly missing out on a fifth consecutive title, Max Verstappen's future is under the microscope with Red Bull's 2026 power unit project creating uncertainty. However, former team boss Guenther Steiner is confident the Dutch driver is too savvy to repeat the career mistakes of Fernando Alonso, ensuring he'll always be in a winning car.
Why it matters:
Verstappen is the benchmark driver in F1, and his loyalty to Red Bull has been a cornerstone of the sport's recent era. The prospect of him switching teams if they become uncompetitive could trigger a massive driver market shuffle and redefine the pecking order, especially with the new 2026 regulations on the horizon. His decisions will shape the next chapter of Formula 1.
The details:
- Steiner asserts that unlike Alonso, who "was very good at picking the wrong car," Verstappen is surrounded by a shrewd team, including his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen, who will ensure he's in the right machinery.
- Contractual Flexibility: Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 but reportedly contains performance clauses that would allow him to leave if the team is not competitive, a tool Steiner is certain he will use if needed.
- The 2026 Question Mark: The new regulations, which see Red Bull developing its own power unit for the first time, introduce a significant variable. If the project falters, Steiner believes Verstappen will make a move for the 2027 season.
- Proven Interest: This isn't just speculation; Mercedes actively courted Verstappen last year, proving that top teams are ready and willing to create a seat for the three-time world champion.
What's next:
All eyes will be on Red Bull's performance as the 2026 season approaches. The success of their in-house power unit will be the ultimate deciding factor. If the team shows signs of falling behind, don't be surprised to see Verstappen and his camp activate their escape clauses to secure a seat at the front of the grid, proving Steiner's prediction correct and avoiding the career limbo that has at times defined Alonso's legacy.