Steiner Names Verstappen 'Super Max' in 2025 Driver Rankings

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has placed Max Verstappen at the pinnacle of his 2025 driver rankings, creating a special 'Super Max' category to honor the four-time world champion. This high praise comes despite Verstappen losing the drivers' title to McLaren's Lando Norris, highlighting a separation between raw pace and championship results in Steiner's view.

Why it matters:

Steiner's candid opinion carries weight in the paddock and underscores a recurring theme in F1: the debate over who is the outright fastest driver versus who had the best season. His ranking reinforces the perception that Verstappen's talent remains unmatched, even when circumstances don't lead to a title, and validates the incredible season Norris had to dethrone him.

The details:

• 'Super Max' Category: Steiner invented a new top tier exclusively for Verstappen, stating, "Super Max, the S was invented for him."
• Champion's Praise: Lando Norris, who won the 2025 championship, was included in the same elite bracket as Verstappen, with Steiner expressing deep admiration for his campaign.
• A+ Tier: Oscar Piastri and George Russell were recognized as A+ drivers for their performances.
• A- Tier: The next group included Charles Leclerc, Ferrari rookie Kimi Antonelli, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Isack Hadjar.
• Peer Recognition: Steiner's view aligns with the paddock's, as Verstappen was also voted Driver of the Year by F1 team principals and his fellow drivers.

Between the lines:

While Steiner was effusive in his praise for the top performers, he was equally critical of those who fell short. He slammed Lewis Hamilton's dismal debut season at Ferrari, suggesting the seven-time champion needs to rediscover his motivation and unfavorably comparing his struggles to Fernando Alonso's strong performances with Aston Martin. This duality cements Steiner's reputation for blunt, no-holds-barred analysis of the grid.