Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, the former Haas team principal sees the four-time world champion as the favorite over the Australian for the runner-up spot in the championship, especially following his stunning comeback in Brazil.

Steiner also sees Verstappen as much more fired up and motivated than Piastri, and the fact that he didn’t give up after a poor qualifying in Interlagos—but instead used it as fuel to roll up his sleeves—proves it even more.

“Max is motivated, like hell, we saw in Brazil. He didn’t give up after a crappy qualifying. He held his sleeve up, with the help of Yuki, obviously, and finished on the podium.”

Arrow McLaren chief Tony Kanaan hails Max Verstappen’s F1 success as more than just talent or luck, calling it a product of vision.

The IndyCar team boss sees Verstappen as ahead of his rivals, likening his influence at Red Bull to the transformative impact of past F1 legends at their teams. The Dutchman is still in the title fight with three races to go, although Norris’s win in Brazil—and Verstappen’s third place, achieved after a strong comeback—has pushed him further down the standings.