Guenther Steiner backs Max Verstappen to avoid 2026 slump in Sebastian Vettel comparison

Guenther Steiner has argued that four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is unlikely to see a similar fate to former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel in 2026.

Verstappen claimed four consecutive titles at Red Bull from 2021 until 2024, following in Vettel's footsteps, who secured four consecutive championships with the Milton Keynes outfit from 2010 until 2013. But after the German driver claimed his final title in 2013, he suffered a winless year with Red Bull in 2014 and moved to Ferrari in 2015.

Steiner compared the Dutchman with Vettel and two-time champion Fernando Alonso when asked during The Red Flags Podcast if Verstappen would be able to continue his dominance in 2026.

"For me, Fernando was a talent in that league, but he just couldn't do it because he always put himself in the wrong car. But I think Max will not make that mistake because between Jos, his father, and Raymond, they will make sure that they get him in the right car. So I don't think we have to worry about that. Max will be in the best, and if not, the second-best car," the former Haas team principal said.

Sebastian Vettel arrives in the Paddock

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Asked if Verstappen could face a similar fate to Vettel, Steiner added: "No. I think it's because Vettel was always in the dominating car and Max showed he can do it not being in the dominating car, because the Red Bull this year was not the best car out there.

"It was not the best car last year, and he still won last year and finished second this year.

"So I think Max is, as much as I respect Vettel, what he did, but Vettel came to Ferrari, and he didn't move the needle this much. He won races, but it was never a Michael [Schumacher] success story. So I think Max is just in a different league."