Is the Max Verstappen era of absolute dominance truly over? Guenther Steiner, never one to mince words, has dropped a bombshell prediction for the 2026 F1 season: he believes the reigning champion will fail to secure a single Grand Prix victory.
Key Takeaways from Steiner's Forecast:
- Guenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen will go winless in the entire 2026 F1 season.
- Steiner cites Red Bull's uncompetitive package compared to surging Mercedes and McLaren.
- Verstappen currently sits P6 in the standings, with three P2 finishes as his best results.
- The Dutchman himself acknowledges Red Bull's significant pace deficit to key rivals.
Steiner's Stunning Forecast: A Winless 2026 for Super Max?
The former Haas team principal, known for his no-nonsense candour, made his audacious claim on The Red Flags Podcast. When asked if Verstappen would finish the 2026 F1 season without a win, Steiner gave a resounding "Gas!".
His reasoning is stark: "Mercedes and McLaren are too strong, and it's just the car." Steiner believes that while Verstappen will still be "Super Max" and land on podiums, the car's limitations will cap his potential for victory. This isn't just a casual jab; it's a veteran F1 insider delivering a severe critique of Red Bull's current trajectory.
The Current Campaign: A Steep Climb for Red Bull
While we're still deep in the 2026 F1 season, Max Verstappen's current standing paints a challenging picture. He's sixth in the championship, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by a significant 147 points. His best results so far have been three hard-fought second-place finishes at the Austrian, Hungarian, and Spanish Grands Prix.
Compare this to his previous seasons of relentless dominance, and the shift is undeniable. Red Bull is no longer the undisputed king, and the competition is closing in fast.
Verstappen's Own Concerns: Pace Deficit Revealed
Even Verstappen himself isn't shying away from the harsh reality. Following his second-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he capitalized on an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car and a slow pit stop for polesitter Lando Norris, the Red Bull star openly admitted his team's struggles.
"It's just looking at the lap times, we are quite a bit down still," Verstappen told Sky Sports. He pointed to a mix of deployment issues and fundamental car weaknesses. "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."
This candid assessment from the driver himself underscores Steiner's prediction. It's not just external critics; the team's top talent acknowledges the significant ground they need to cover.
What Lies Ahead: Can Red Bull Recalibrate?
The 2026 F1 season continues with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the 15th round, set for September 24-26 at the Baku City Circuit. The pressure is mounting on Red Bull to find the performance gains needed to turn their season around and silence the critics. Can they defy Steiner's bold prediction and propel Max Verstappen back to the top step of the podium?
