Steiner: Verstappen to go winless in 2026

Guenther Steiner believes Max Verstappen will not win a single Grand Prix in the 2026 F1 season. The former Haas team principal argues that Red Bull's package is simply not competitive enough, despite Verstappen's four world titles and his undeniable racecraft. Steiner's comments came on The Red Flags Podcast, where he was asked to predict whether the Dutchman would finish the season without a victory.

Verstappen currently sits sixth in the standings with 145 points, a massive 147 behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. His best results this season are second places at Austria, Hungary, and Spain, with the Red Bull often a clear step behind the Mercedes and McLaren frontrunners.

Why it matters:

Steiner's prediction underscores Red Bull's dramatic fall from the front of the grid. In a season where Mercedes and McLaren have built a clear gap, even Verstappen's brilliance may not be enough to convert podiums into wins. It also raises questions about Red Bull's ability to recover under the new regulations.

The details:

• Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner chose 'Gas' when asked if Verstappen would finish the season winless. He said: "Mercedes and McLaren are too strong, and it's just the car. He will be Super Max, he will be on the podium, but I think that's the limit of that car."
• At the Spanish GP in Madrid, Verstappen finished second after capitalizing on a virtual safety car and a slow pitstop for polesitter Lando Norris. With overtaking nearly impossible on the new circuit, he held position.
• Verstappen admitted the pace deficit: "When Lando was behind me he was flying. He was a lot faster, but just because of the nature of the track he couldn't get by."

What's next:

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on 24-26 September at Baku City Circuit. Verstappen has won there before, but with Mercedes and McLaren's current advantage, another victory seems unlikely — unless Red Bull brings a significant upgrade.