Is Steiner right to believe Verstappen won’t be leaving Red Bull?
Helmut Steiner, the team principal of Haas, recently expressed his belief that Max Verstappen will not be leaving Red Bull anytime soon, a statement that has sparked widespread discussion across the Formula 1 community. Steiner’s comments came amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen’s future, with rumors suggesting that the two-time World Champion could eventually explore other teams or even switch to a different series. However, Steiner’s stance on Verstappen remaining at Red Bull seems justified given the current state of affairs in Formula 1.
Verstappen’s relationship with Red Bull has been incredibly fruitful, with the Dutch driver winning back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, establishing himself as one of the most dominant forces in motorsport. Red Bull’s technical superiority, especially with their exceptional car design and engine partnership with Honda, gives Verstappen the best opportunity to maintain his championship-contending status. Moreover, the team’s financial resources, development potential, and focus on building a car around his strengths make it hard to envision Verstappen seeking a move elsewhere.
Additionally, Red Bull has shown a deep commitment to Verstappen, and the team’s recent success under his leadership has made them one of the most powerful outfits in F1. Steiner’s assessment seems grounded in the fact that Verstappen and Red Bull are perfectly aligned for sustained dominance, making a departure unlikely in the foreseeable future. Unless a major shift occurs in the sport’s dynamics or Verstappen’s personal ambitions change, staying with Red Bull appears to be the most logical decision for both parties.
