The world of Formula 1 has been surprised by the statements of Guenther Steiner, former director of the Haas team, who claims that Max Verstappen “absolutely regrets” having rejected offers to join Mercedes. According to Steiner, the doors for a future collaboration now seem closed for the four-time champion.
After a complicated season at Red Bull Racing, Verstappen’s future has been a hot topic of debate in the paddock. His frustration became evident during the recent British Grand Prix, where a recurring failure in the rear wing caused him to go off track and get stuck in the gravel at Stowe.
Steiner commented that the speculation about a possible team change by Verstappen is unfounded now, given that he missed the opportunity to sign with Mercedes. “At that time, all negotiations were being made with George and Mercedes,” he said. “I believe the alternative would have been Max there, but he wasn’t sure what would happen in the future and let it slip away”.
Furthermore, Steiner believes it is now too late for Verstappen to join the English team, as both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli seem destined to stay with Mercedes until 2027, according to team principal Toto Wolff. “But he convinced himself to stay where he was,” Steiner added. “He has waited until the new regulations have arrived, and now it seems to be too late”.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
