Guenther Steiner Shocks F1 World with Controversial Assessment of Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel’s Legacies
In a fiery revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has weighed in on the legacies of two racing titans: Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. With both drivers boasting an impressive four drivers’ championships under the Red Bull banner, the debate over who truly reigns supreme is heating up.
Statistically, Verstappen and Vettel are intertwined in their success, each clinching four titles during their illustrious careers. Verstappen’s reign from 2021 to 2024 mirrored Vettel’s dominance from 2010 to 2013, but Steiner’s insights reveal a stark contrast in their championship journeys.
After Vettel’s peak years, which catapulted him to the top of the F1 hierarchy, he faced a monumental challenge in 2014 as new regulations took effect. Struggling to adapt, he found himself without a victory that year—a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in this high-octane sport. The German’s persistent complaints about Red Bull’s failure to get his car’s downshifts right highlight the struggles he encountered, leading to his much-discussed shift to Ferrari.
Now, as the F1 landscape prepares for yet another round of regulatory changes, Steiner has offered a bold prediction about Verstappen’s future. During a gripping episode of the Red Flags Podcast, he was asked whether Verstappen could face a fate similar to Vettel’s after his successful run. Steiner didn’t hold back, delivering a scathing critique of Vettel’s championship legacy compared to Verstappen’s.
“Vettel was always in the dominating car, while Max has proven he can shine even when the odds are stacked against him,” Steiner proclaimed. He pointed out that even when Red Bull wasn’t the top contender on the grid, Verstappen still managed to win a championship and finish strong the following year. “This year’s Red Bull was not the best car out there, just as it wasn’t last year, yet he still emerged victorious last season and placed second this year.”
Steiner’s assessment paints a picture of Verstappen as a driver who thrives under pressure and adversity, a stark contrast to Vettel’s experience at Ferrari, which he deemed “never a Michael Schumacher success story.” “Max is just in a different league,” he stated emphatically, sending a clear message: Verstappen’s talent and resilience may elevate him beyond the shadow of his four-time champion predecessor.
As fans and pundits alike digest Steiner’s remarks, one thing is clear: the rivalry between these two champions continues to ignite fierce debates. With the future of F1 hanging in the balance as regulations evolve, the racing world is left to wonder—can Verstappen maintain his edge, or will he encounter the same trials that befell Vettel? Only time will tell, but Steiner’s words remind us that in Formula 1, greatness is not just measured by titles, but by the ability to adapt and conquer challenges on the track.









