Norris Picks Ferrari as Monaco Favorite, Jos Verstappen Fires Back at Steiner

Lando Norris believes Ferrari will be the team to beat at the Monaco Grand Prix, while Jos Verstappen has publicly hit back at former Haas boss Guenther Steiner over comments about Max. The two stories underscore the shifting dynamics and lingering rivalries in the 2026 paddock.

Why it matters:

After a rocky start to the season, McLaren's defending champion is looking to close the gap, but his admission that Ferrari holds the edge in Monaco signals the Scuderia's resurgence. Meanwhile, the Verstappen-Steiner spat adds fresh friction to a paddock already buzzing about regulation debates and team tensions.

The details:

• Norris backs Ferrari: The Briton, who won the Monaco GP in 2025 from pole, now sees Ferrari as the benchmark. He cited the team's strength in low-speed corners as a decisive factor on the tight street circuit.
• McLaren's struggles: Norris has faced reliability issues in 2026, leaving him well behind the title fight. Monaco's unique demands could be a chance to recover, but he knows overtaking is nearly impossible.
• Jos Verstappen strikes back: Steiner had suggested Max would be happier with current regulations if he were still winning. Jos responded on social media: “Hi Guenther. I understand why you’re not an F1 team boss anymore. The way you talk.”
• Support from teammates: Max's Nürburgring co-driver Dani Juncadella also criticized Steiner, noting Max had warned about regs since 2023.

Between the lines:

Steiner's dig touches on a broader debate about whether the 2026 rules have hurt Red Bull's dominance. The public feud shows Jos remains fiercely protective of his son's legacy, even as the sport moves into a new era.

What's next:

Monaco will test both Norris's prediction and McLaren's progress. As for the Verstappen camp, expect more tension if Steiner continues his media appearances. The real judgment will come on the streets of Monte Carlo.