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Steiner Claims Antonelli Makes Verstappen Superfluous for Mercedes
Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, has suggested Mercedes no longer needs to pursue Max Verstappen, indicating Kimi Antonelli is seen as the Brackley outfit's 'next Max Verstappen'.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-15T14:32:26.000Z - 3 min read
Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has put forward a notable claim regarding Mercedes' driver market strategy, suggesting the German manufacturer may no longer feel the imperative to sign Max Verstappen. According to Steiner's recent comments, the Brackley-based squad has already identified a talent within its own junior ranks that could fulfil a similar role, effectively finding "the next Max Verstappen" in Kimi Antonelli. This assertion, currently an unconfirmed paddock rumour, adds a fresh dimension to ongoing speculation surrounding future driver lineups.
Steiner's perspective posits a shift in Mercedes' potential ambitions. For some time, Verstappen's future in Formula 1 has been a constant topic of discussion within the paddock. His exceptional talent naturally makes him a target for top teams, and Mercedes has often been linked with an interest in securing his services, especially as his contract at Red Bull Racing has been subject to various interpretations and rumours.
However, Steiner's latest observations, if accurate, indicate a re-evaluation of this perceived pursuit. He appears to believe that Kimi Antonelli's development has reached a point where he is seen internally at Mercedes as a prodigy capable of delivering at the highest level, potentially negating the need for an external superstar signing like Verstappen. This view firmly places the young Italian driver at the centre of Mercedes' long-term planning, at least in Steiner's estimation.
The backdrop to these claims includes Red Bull's reported struggles to maintain their competitive edge against Mercedes at the front of the grid throughout the 2026 season. This dynamic might previously have made a move for Verstappen a strategic imperative for any team seeking an immediate advantage, but Steiner's remarks suggest Mercedes could now be looking inward for their future success, particularly if their own car performance is strong.
It remains crucial to underscore that these are unconfirmed opinions from an individual no longer directly involved with a Formula 1 team. Steiner's statements reflect his personal assessment of the situation and the potential trajectory of Antonelli's career within the Mercedes setup. While he possesses extensive experience within the sport, his comments are not official confirmation of Mercedes' internal strategy or their view on either driver.
The idea of Antonelli being groomed as the next dominant force in Formula 1, echoing the rise of Verstappen, is a powerful narrative within the sport. If Steiner's assessment holds any truth, it would suggest a significant strategic pivot for Mercedes, moving away from pursuing established champions to cultivating their own. This potential shift would undoubtedly influence the broader driver market and add further intrigue to the upcoming seasons.
Paddock discussions frequently revolve around the emergence of new talent and the strategic decisions of leading teams. Steiner’s pronouncements offer a high-profile, if speculative, contribution to this ongoing discourse, positioning Antonelli as a key factor in Mercedes' long-term planning and diminishing the perceived appeal of even a driver of Verstappen's calibre.