Ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner has backed Max Verstappen to avoid making the same career missteps that have haunted Fernando Alonso’s time in Formula 1.
Despite relinquishing his grasp on the World Championship to Lando Norris in 2025, Verstappen’s late charge saw him close the season with the most victories.
As such, the Dutchman is still regarded as the benchmark name on the current grid, with both his colleagues and the team bosses voting him as the best driver.
Heading into the upcoming campaign, Verstappen’s prospects are unclear as Red Bull embarks on the new regulations with an engine that’s been built in-house.
The Dutchman has long been connected with a move to Mercedes, with the German marque thought to have the edge over the other power unit manufacturers.
Steiner believes that Verstappen’s entourage will ensure that he ends up in a team that will enable him to keep racking up the accolades from 2027 at the latest.
“I think that Max will be in the right car, so he will continue with the success,” Steiner said on the Red Flags podcast.
“He’s very smart, and he’s surrounded by smart people. I think his contract is open, and whoever has the leading car will want Max Verstappen, and they will make it happen.”
Verstappen tipped to avoid Alonso fate
Unlike Verstappen, Alonso is still chasing a third Drivers’ title, the Spaniard having been made to rue poor career choices leaving him stranded on 32 wins since 2013.
Steiner has tipped Verstappen to avoid encountering the same fate as Alonso, highlighting that his Red Bull deal comprises clauses that would sanction an early exit.
“He can make it happen on his side, with the contract he has, and I think he has already planned for that,” he added.
“He won’t make a move like Fernando Alonso. Fernando was very good at picking the wrong car all the time. Fernando is a talent, but he has always put himself in the wrong car.
“Max will not make that mistake because between Jos, his father, and Raymond Vermeulen [his manager], they will make sure they get him in the right car.
“So I don’t think we have to worry about that. Max will be in the best, if not the second-best, car.”
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