Steiner Picks Antonelli Over Verstappen in Four-Year Draft

Guenther Steiner has sparked debate by choosing Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen in a hypothetical F1 draft. The former Haas boss says over four years, the 20-year-old Italian will surpass the four-time champion.

Why it matters:

Verstappen has been F1's benchmark since 2021, winning four straight titles. Steiner's comments carry weight given his long career as a team principal. His view adds to the sense that Antonelli's rise is reshaping the sport's hierarchy.

The Details:

• In a draft scenario, Steiner's first pick was Antonelli. Asked about Verstappen, he said: "If I have to keep him for four years, I think he will be better than him."
• Antonelli leads teammate George Russell by 66 points, with seven wins and a maiden title in sight.
• His Imola charge from 19th to first drew Verstappen comparisons. Steiner called it "better, but less spectacular" than Verstappen's 2024 Brazil win.
• He added: "It's not like a clean drive to the front like Max did, but as a performance, it was more because it was a very solid race."

Between the lines:

Steiner is betting on trajectory. At 20, Antonelli's ceiling looks higher, making him the logical long-term pick. It's a bold call from a respected figure.

What's next:

If Antonelli closes out the title, Steiner's words will look prescient — and Verstappen's supremacy will face its biggest challenge yet. The debate over F1's best driver just got more interesting.