Guenther Steiner says Max Verstappen has no chance of winning the F1 title despite Red Bull’s leap

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Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has ruled out Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 title while naming his five contenders. 

So far this season, Mercedes have been the dominant force, with George Russell winning in Australia before Kimi Antonelli secured a hat-trick of victories in China, Japan and Miami.

On Sunday, Antonelli won the Miami Grand Prix to extend his lead at the top of the standings over Russell to 20 points. 

Despite Mercedes’ early dominance, it was noticeable in Miami that the likes of McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull are starting to close the gap to the Silver Arrows. 

The RB22 looks much improved as Verstappen was able to challenge at the front. In the end, although the Dutchman came home fifth, it was for sure a step in the right direction.

Which F1 drivers realistically stand a chance of winning the title this year? 🏆

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Guenther Steiner says Max Verstappen is not a title contender in 2026

Despite Red Bull’s upgrades on the RB22, speaking recently on The Red Flags podcast, Steiner ruled out Verstappen for the title.

At the same time, the former Haas team principal picked out his five contenders for the 2026 world championship.

He said: “No, he (Max) is not a title contender, no. No way. I don’t, I don’t even want to explain that. It’s just not going to happen this year. No.” 

When asked to name his five title contenders, Steiner picked out Charles Leclerc as a potential outsider to challenge Mercedes and McLaren.

Steiner said: “For the five, two Mercedes, two McLarens and Charles. Charles on the outside, but the two McLarens and two Mercedes for sure.

“Obviously, as I said before, my favourite, but it’s possible, you know, yeah. Not Max.”

Have you changed your mind about what Max Verstappen can achieve this season?

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On Antonelli being the favourite for the title, Steiner added: “Six weeks ago, I had a different opinion. I’m allowed to change my opinion when I see things. I don’t have to be stubborn.

“I’m not stubborn, what I saw in the last races, especially Miami, I think he’s now the favourite.

“Mercedes will win the constructors, there’s no explanation that needs to be done. They will win the constructors.”

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher says ‘Max Verstappen is back’ after Red Bull finally gave him a ‘driveable’ car

David Croft says George Russell needs to beat Kimi Antonelli in Canada

Russell has previously stated that upgrades are on the way for Mercedes in Montreal, where he will be looking to reignite his season. 

Speaking on The F1 Show, Sky Sports commentator Croft said that ‘alarm bells’ will be ringing if Russell fails to come out on top in Canada.

He said: “I would want Montreal to come next weekend, if I was George Russell. I wouldn’t want to be waiting a couple of weeks, dwelling on what happened in Miami and thinking about how big Canada is now becoming.

“He won there last year, it’s a track he’s really strong at. And Kimi finished on the podium, so it was a very good weekend for Mercedes last year.

“But if George doesn’t beat Kimi – with Mercedes’ upgrades that are coming- on a track that he regards as one of his best, and Toto Wolff says is one of his best, then the alarm bells really start to ring.

“There’s still a long way to go in the season, but this is a massive weekend for George Russell. He needs that commanding performance. But Kimi’s on a roll.”