Steiner Reveals Dream F1 Driver Line-up: Verstappen and Bortoleto

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has unveiled his ideal Formula 1 driver pairing, selecting four-time world champion Max Verstappen alongside promising rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Steiner emphasized the importance of a strong operational foundation, envisioning a setup akin to Mercedes' with Adrian Newey leading car design and himself at the helm as team principal.

Why it matters:

Steiner's fantasy lineup highlights a blend of proven championship-winning talent and exciting young potential, a strategy many teams aspire to. His choice underscores the significant impression Bortoleto has made in the junior categories, suggesting he's seen as a future star capable of competing at the highest level.

The Details:

• Guenther Steiner, in an interview with a gambling site, named Max Verstappen as his undisputed top pick for his dream team.
• Initially, Steiner considered Oscar Piastri but ultimately opted for Gabriel Bortoleto, currently a rookie with the Stake F1 team.
• Team Structure: Steiner detailed his ideal team's operational base, drawing parallels to Mercedes' robust infrastructure.
  • He specified Adrian Newey as the lead car designer, recognizing Newey's legendary status in F1 engineering.
  • Steiner himself would serve as the team principal, aiming to create a highly successful outfit.

Between the lines:

Steiner's selection of Bortoleto over a more established young driver like Piastri is particularly telling. It reflects the buzz around Bortoleto's potential and perhaps a desire to nurture a talent from an earlier stage, much like Red Bull has done with many of their successful drivers. The emphasis on a Mercedes-like operational base and Newey's design genius speaks to the critical components Steiner believes are necessary for sustained success in modern F1.

What's next:

While Steiner's dream lineup remains purely hypothetical, it provides insight into the qualities and combinations an experienced F1 figure values. For Bortoleto, this high praise from a respected voice in the paddock further elevates his profile as he continues his journey towards a potential F1 seat. Verstappen, meanwhile, continues to be the benchmark for any driver hoping to make an impact.