Ex-F1 team boss ranks Verstappen top of 2025 drivers list: 'Super Max'

The former Haas F1 team boss, in his assessment, was full of praise for the display of the Red Bull Racing driver. Speaking via the Red Flag podcast, described the four-time world champion as “Super Max” after inventing a special category ranking for Verstappen.

“Super Max, the S was invented for him,” he said.

The 60-year-old also included 2025 drivers’ champion Lando Norris in the same ranking as Verstappen, stressing how impressed he was with the championship win the British driver achieved during the previous campaign.

Steiner’s list also included both Oscar Piastri and George Russell, whom he ranked as A+ drivers from the recent season. He further ranked Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Isack Hadjar as A- in his top 10 drivers ranking from the 2025 campaign.

Despite missing out on the drivers’ title to Norris, Verstappen’s performances throughout the season were widely lauded by several key figures across F1. Only recently was the Dutch driver crowned Driver of the Year by team principals in the F1 paddock. The 28-year-old also claimed the Driver of the Year prize, as voted by his fellow drivers.

Earlier, Steiner was critical of Lewis Hamilton’s debut season at the Scuderia Ferrari outfit. The former team boss highlighted the woes endured by the seven-time champion, buttressing his claim with a comparison to Fernando Alonso.

Steiner concluded by stating that he expected more from the British driver, stressing the need for him to find his motivation again.

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