Steiner: Verstappen Won't Suffer Vettel's 2026 Slump

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen is poised to avoid a post-dominance slump like the one Sebastian Vettel experienced, citing the Dutchman's superior talent and a shrewd management team. Steiner argues that Verstappen has already proven he can win without the best car, a key differentiator from his Red Bull predecessor. This confidence places Verstappen in a "different league," capable of navigating the major 2026 regulation changes and remaining a title contender.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a massive reset for Formula 1, with new engine and aerodynamic regulations set to potentially shuffle the competitive order. A driver's ability to adapt and lead a team through this transition will be paramount. Steiner's analysis fuels the debate over whether Verstappen's success is a product of Red Bull's dominance or if he is a generational talent who can thrive in any machinery, a critical question for the next era of the sport.

The details:

• The Vettel Precedent: Steiner drew a direct comparison to Sebastian Vettel, who won four consecutive titles with Red Bull from 2010-2013. After the 2014 rule change, Vettel had a winless season and later moved to Ferrari, where he never challenged for a championship.
• Winning in an Inferior Car: A key point in Steiner's argument is that Verstappen won the 2023 championship and was a strong title contender in 2024, despite the Red Bull not being the outright fastest car on the grid. This demonstrates an ability to overperform the machinery.
• Strategic Management: Steiner credits Verstappen's inner circle—his father, Jos, and manager, Raymond Vermeulen—for ensuring he makes the right career moves. He contrasted this with Fernando Alonso, a driver of immense talent who "put himself in the wrong car" at various points in his career.
• A "Different League": The former team principal was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that while he respects Vettel's achievements, Verstappen operates at a higher level. He noted that Vettel's move to Ferrari "didn't move the needle this much," implying Verstappen's arrival at any team would have a transformative impact.

What's next:

Verstappen's future with Red Bull remains a major talking point, especially as the 2026 rules draw closer. All eyes will be on the development progress of Red Bull Powertrains and whether they can deliver a competitive engine. If Steiner's assessment is correct, Verstappen's strategic team will be meticulously evaluating all options to ensure he is in a position to fight for a fifth title in 2026, regardless of which team provides the chassis.