Steiner delivers brutal verdict on Verstappen's Mercedes dream

Verstappen's future has remained one of the biggest talking points in Formula 1 amid Red Bull's inconsistent form and growing questions over the team's ability to provide him with a championship-winning car. Persistent links with rival outfits, including Mercedes and even McLaren, have only fuelled speculation over whether the four-time world champion could eventually leave Milton Keynes.

Despite the ongoing rumours, Steiner believes Verstappen's best opportunity to join Mercedes has already passed.

Speaking on the Red Flags Podcast, the former Haas team principal recalled that Verstappen was considered as a potential option while Mercedes was negotiating George Russell's contract. However, Steiner believes the Dutchman was unconvinced about making the move at the time.

"Back when Mercedes was negotiating with George, Max might have been considered as an alternative," Steiner recalled. "I think Max was uncertain about what the future held, and in the end, the opportunity slipped by. He was convinced to stay and wait for the new regulations, but now it's not just a little late, it's simply too late."

The motorsports chief continued by detailing Verstappen's regret about missing the chance to switch to the Brackley-based outfit. "Absolutely. I'm sure he has regrets about it. Mercedes has a rising superstar and a very capable driver in George. Why spend extra money to bring in Max?" he added.

Steiner also argued that signing Verstappen now could upset the balance Mercedes has built with George Russell and the highly rated Italian Kimi Antonelli.

The Italian further suggested that Verstappen's approach may not align with Mercedes' team culture. "If he were at Mercedes and behaved like that, they'd immediately say, 'That's not how we operate here.'"

Despite suggesting Verstappen may have missed his chance to join the Silver Arrows, Steiner does not believe the four-time world champion is about to leave Red Bull. Instead, he feels the responsibility now lies with the Milton Keynes-based team to provide Verstappen with a car capable of fighting consistently at the front. "He's staying. That's my opinion, he's staying. What he needs to do now is spur his team into giving him the car he deserves," Steiner concluded.