Top Formula 1 team bosses waiting on Max Verstappen decision on his future

Steiner’s comments came as speculation continues over Verstappen’s future, under the cloud of Formula 1’s new and highly complex 2026 regulations, with Red Bull still facing questions over its long term competitiveness despite recent upgrades.

Steiner spoke on Verstappen’s future, insisting only three realistic destinations exist for the four-time Formula 1 world champion: “In my opinion, Max can only go to three teams: Ferrari, McLaren, or Mercedes. But is there anything available at the moment?

"Maybe not, but would they make something available for Max Verstappen? That is the big question. Who is prepared to sacrifice what they’ve got now for Max, because Max is in my opinion the champ, he’s the GOAT. He’s not the world champion, obviously, that is Lando, but he is a four-time Formula 1 world champion.”

Steiner pointed to Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton as evidence that even successful drivers can quickly lose their seats when a superstar becomes available: “Some teams will think about it. Just look back at when Ferrari let Carlos go, who was doing a good job, because the GOAT Lewis Hamilton came around.”

The Italian also believes Verstappen is already evaluating all possible opportunities behind the scenes as he targets a fifth F1 world title: “So, I think something like this needs to happen, but that is the thing Max will be looking for. He will sound all three of them out and see where he has got the best opportunity to win a fifth world championship."

In the wake of Red Bull's current state, Steiner’s comments reinforce the the fact that Verstappen will remain the central figure in Formula 1’s driver market, with Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren all expected keeping a close eye on the best driver in the world.  (Quotes supplied by Casino.org)