Guenther Steiner’s Surprising Take on Max Verstappen’s 2025 Championship Prospects

In a recent episode of The Red Flags Podcast, Guenther Steiner, the former principal of the Haas F1 team, made headlines with his unexpected comments regarding Max Verstappen and his chances of clinching the 2025 drivers’ championship. In a striking reversal from his previous stance, Steiner now believes that the Red Bull Racing superstar is very much in contention for the title. He humorously suggested that McLaren could play a pivotal role in Verstappen’s championship bid, saying, "His best ally to win this championship is McLaren."

A Shift in Perspective

Steiner’s change of heart is particularly noteworthy, given that just a few races ago, he was quite dismissive of Verstappen’s title chances. When pressed for his thoughts, he stated, "I was completely no a few races ago, I’m saying yes." This newfound optimism has led to a flurry of jokes about Verstappen’s distinct orange branding and McLaren’s signature papaya color, with podcast hosts playfully suggesting that the reigning champion’s ‘orange army’ could be allied with the Woking-based team.

Oscar Piastri’s Recent Struggles

The conversation eventually turned to Oscar Piastri, the Australian driver for McLaren, who has encountered a decline in performance following a tumultuous weekend at the Mexico Grand Prix. Steiner did not hold back in expressing his views about Piastri’s situation, indicating that the team has not provided adequate support for him in his quest for success.

Steiner remarked, "I mean it wasn’t good enough to be world champion, no? He’s struggling now and I don’t know what exactly is happening but one of the things I could conclude out of it is that Oscar being… he doesn’t get support from the team to win the championship." His comments highlight the psychological challenges drivers face when they feel unsupported, which can lead to a loss of confidence and performance.

The Pressure of Team Dynamics

According to Steiner, Piastri’s performance has been affected by the dynamics within McLaren. Early in the season, he was able to compete without significant pressure, as he was technically the number two driver behind Lando Norris. "At the beginning of the season he had no pressure because he was number two in the team," Steiner explained. However, as the season progressed and expectations grew, Piastri found himself in a more challenging situation.

Steiner continued, "You lose a little bit your mojo. You have doubts and you don’t perform." He noted that Piastri’s confidence has likely taken a hit, especially during critical moments such as qualifying. "It’s just difficult. Didn’t have a good lap. You start in Mexico where he started. You haven’t got a chance, you know?” This insight underscores the immense pressure drivers face in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.

Caution Against Overreactions

While discussing the performance of McLaren and Red Bull in the Mexico race, Steiner cautioned against jumping to premature conclusions. He pointed out that the high altitude of the Mexico City circuit can have a significant impact on car performance, which complicates the assessment of which teams are truly faster. "Mexico is such a special race course with the altitude," he noted, suggesting that it would be unwise to assume that Red Bull’s dominance has waned based solely on their performance in Mexico.

Steiner elaborated, "I wouldn’t say yes or no. I just would say I don’t know because it’s one of the things Mexico you can have a very good car and you don’t know where it is coming from." He explained that teams do not specifically design their cars for the unique challenges posed by the Mexico track, and therefore, performance can vary significantly.

The Challenge of Cooling and Downforce

One of the complexities that teams face in Mexico is the need for enhanced cooling due to the higher altitude, which can lead to a loss of downforce. Steiner explained, "You always try not to lose downforce by cooling the car more but sometimes it goes better sometimes worse." This unpredictability can make it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about a team’s capabilities based on a single race.

Despite the challenges posed by the altitude and unique track conditions, Steiner emphasized that it is essential to keep an open mind about the performance of the Red Bull cars. "I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that the Red Bull is not as good as it was in Austin," he stated, underscoring the need for a broader perspective on the season as a whole.

The Importance of Support in F1

Steiner’s comments about Oscar Piastri highlight a critical aspect of Formula 1: the importance of team support. In a sport where every detail can make a difference, the psychological well-being of drivers is paramount. When drivers feel they are not receiving the backing they need from their teams, it can lead to significant performance issues.

In Piastri’s case, the competitive environment within McLaren seems to have created an atmosphere where he feels the pressure of expectations without the necessary support to thrive. As he navigates the complexities of his rookie season, the importance of a supportive team dynamic cannot be overstated.

Looking Ahead to the Championship

As the 2025 drivers’ championship approaches, the dynamics within teams like McLaren and Red Bull will be closely scrutinized. Steiner’s comments serve as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of Formula 1, where fortunes can shift rapidly based on a variety of factors, including team support, driver confidence, and the unique challenges presented by different race tracks.

The interplay between drivers, teams, and the intricacies of each race will continue to shape the narrative of the championship. With Verstappen’s prospects looking more promising in Steiner’s eyes and Piastri facing his own set of challenges, the coming races will be crucial in determining how these storylines unfold.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, opinions can change quickly, and Guenther Steiner’s recent comments about Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri illustrate this reality. As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these narratives develop and what impact they will have on the championship race. The dynamic nature of the sport ensures that every race is filled with surprises, making it an exciting time for both teams and fans.