Guenther Steiner: It's Good Max Verstappen Doesn't Have the Fastest Car

Guenther Steiner, in the GPblog podcast, shared his amazement at Max Verstappen's start at the Dutch Grand Prix and offered insights into the current F1 landscape. Steiner believes it's beneficial for Verstappen not to always have the fastest car, pushing him to demonstrate his full potential.

Why it matters:

Steiner's comments offer a veteran's perspective on driver performance and the shifting dynamics of Formula 1. His view suggests that genuine competition elevates the sport and showcases a driver's true talent, rather than team dominance.

The big picture:

Verstappen's incredible save at Zandvoort, where he briefly lost and regained control of his Red Bull Racing car while battling Lando Norris, was a highlight. Steiner described it as "the most exciting start this year." While Norris briefly passed Verstappen again, Steiner noted Verstappen's relentless fighting spirit.

• McLaren's rise: McLaren, particularly Oscar Piastri's performance, has recently demonstrated significant strength, often surpassing Red Bull Racing. Steiner sees this as a positive development for F1, breaking previous years of domination by Mercedes and then Red Bull.
• Cyclical nature: Steiner emphasized that F1 is cyclical, with teams rising and falling. "I think it's a good thing that nobody can stay dominating," he stated, highlighting the boredom that set in during prolonged periods of single-team supremacy. He praised McLaren for building a car that performs well everywhere.

What Steiner said:

Steiner believes that when Verstappen has to fight for victories in a car that isn't always the absolute best, it brings out "the best getting out of him." He argues that such championships are more valuable than those won in a dominant car. Verstappen's ability to win races even when his car isn't superior underscores his talent.

What's next:

Guenther Steiner was a guest at the GPblog studio in Zandvoort, where his analysis of the Dutch Grand Prix was recorded for the F1 Today podcast. The full broadcast is available via podcast providers.