Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has indicated that Mercedes may no longer require the services of Max Verstappen. This assessment comes as Mercedes has solidified its driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team has confirmed George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will continue as their pairing.
Mercedes officially announced Russell and Antonelli as their drivers for the 2026 season in October 2025. Russell secured a new multi-year contract, while Antonelli’s deal is understood to extend until at least the end of 2027.
Steiner’s comments highlight Antonelli’s strong performance during the current 2026 season. Antonelli is presently leading the Drivers’ Championship, having secured six Grand Prix victories.
Steiner attributes Antonelli’s immediate impact to the new 2026 technical regulations. He suggests that drivers without ‘old habits’ from previous car generations are better positioned to adapt quickly to the revised machinery.
‘At Mercedes, obviously, I think they found now the next Max Verstappen, so maybe they don’t need the real Max Verstappen at the moment,’ Steiner stated.
George Russell, currently third in the 2026 standings, also has a secure future with Mercedes. Steiner believes Russell’s position is safe, although he noted Antonelli’s emergence could alter Russell’s status as the team’s leading driver.
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until the conclusion of the 2028 season. However, his current agreement includes a performance clause. This clause allows him to depart if he is not within the top two of the drivers’ standings by the summer break.
Reports from July 2026 indicate that Verstappen is currently sixth in the championship, which has activated this performance clause. Red Bull has reportedly responded by offering a new contract.
The proposed Red Bull deal aims to extend Verstappen’s tenure until the end of 2029. It reportedly includes a salary increase and the removal of the existing exit clause.
Despite the activated clause and Red Bull’s offer, Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has stated that Verstappen intends to complete his contract with Red Bull until 2028.
Verstappen himself has indicated he is not in a hurry for immediate contract discussions. He stated a need to decide on his long-term future beyond 2028 before committing to any new terms.
