Former Haas Method 1 staff principal Guenther Steiner believes Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is “too sensible” to think about pairing Max Verstappen with Kimi Antonelli.
Talking on The Crimson Flags Podcast, Steiner weighed in on rumours linking the Crimson Bull driver to Mercedes. Through the ‘Gasoline or Brake’ phase of the podcast, the hypothetical state of affairs was put to Steiner, suggesting that the Dutchman may substitute George Russell at Mercedes.
“I do not assume that can occur. Max is not going to substitute George. Why would Toto herald Max now when he has bought the most important future expertise in his place?” Steiner mentioned of present championship chief Antonelli.
“I feel Max is the perfect for the time being, however at some stage, someone shall be higher, and for positive, Kimi at some stage shall be higher than him. However why would he herald now someone like Max, after which he will get a contest and so they might each lose. That isn’t what Toto will do. Toto is simply too sensible to do this.”
Mercedes has loved a powerful begin to the 2026 season, successful each grand prix to this point. Whereas Russell received the Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese language dash race, it was Antonelli who picked up 5 consecutive wins.
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
Picture by: Andrea Diodato / NurPhoto by way of Getty Photographs
Wolff reiterated his dedication to the Brackley outfit’s present driver line-up in an interview with OE24 in March. “The superb factor is that these silly rumours are already developing in March,” Wolff mentioned. “Silly sufficient that you just often discuss it in July.
“I don’t know who introduced it up once more. We’ve two drivers with whom we’ve long-term, multi-year contracts. I couldn’t be happier with the 2 of them.
“Each ship high performances, so there isn’t any purpose in any respect to even take into consideration a line-up change, about different drivers. I say that with the best respect to Max.”
Images from Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix – Thursday
We wish your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Crew
