The landscape of Formula 1 remains charged with rumors about Max Verstappen’s future, one of the most prominent names in the championship. Guenther Steiner, former director of the Haas team, has expressed doubts about the possible inclusion of the Dutch driver in the Mercedes team, claiming that team principal Toto Wolff is “too smart” to make such a move.
In recent weeks, Verstappen has voiced his discontent with the new cars introduced this year and has faced reliability issues with his Red Bull RB22. Following a mechanical problem at the British Grand Prix, his complaints about the vehicle have fueled rumors about a potential move to Mercedes or McLaren.
Steiner, in an appearance on the podcast The Red Flags, stated that it would be illogical for Mercedes to alter their current driver lineup, which already includes promising George Russell and experienced Lewis Hamilton. “Where can he go? If he doesn’t like Red Bull, there are other teams, but they can’t pay him and they don’t have the car he wants,” Steiner asserted.
The executive also pointed out that hiring Verstappen could be a risky move for Mercedes due to his high cost and the potential destabilizing effect on the team. Currently, Max is in seventh place in the championship with 76 points, while Kimi Antonelli, from Mercedes, leads with 179 points.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
