Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Guenther Steiner has suggested Max Verstappen could be the answer to Ferrari’s problems, questioning whether Lewis Hamilton can lead the team back to the top.
Hamilton has enjoyed a far stronger 2026 season after his struggles during his first season at Ferrari in 2025. However, recent clashes with teammate Charles Leclerc has led to criticism of Ferrari's management of its drivers.
The two drivers held talks in Brazil after Hamilton was critical of Leclerc following their opening lap clash in Mexico City during the previous race.
Despite being the sport's most successful driver, Steiner questioned whether Hamilton is the right man to take control of Ferrari like Michael Schumacher and help the Scuderia win their first championship since 2008, when Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen led them to the constructors' title.
“Is he the guy who can make the team win? When strong drivers took over, they made it a success, but Fernando Alonso tried. Did he succeed? No. Do you think Lewis is the right guy to make this happen?”
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When Verstappen was suggested as an alternative, Steiner highlighted the Red Bull driver’s determination.
“You know how Max is. He wouldn't stop. He's relentless. That could be the solution.”
Verstappen is unlikely to become a Ferrari driver any time soon, after signing a new deal that will see him remain at Red Bull until 2030.
Schumacher also questions Hamilton
Steiner’s comments follow criticism from Ralf Schumacher, who believes Hamilton is not fast enough compared to Leclerc to become Ferrari's number one driver.
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Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher argued that Hamilton's inability to consistently outperform Leclerc is at the heart of the situation within the team: "The problem is that he is simply not fast enough compared to Leclerc. If he were clearly better than his team-mate, like my brother was back then, this discussion wouldn’t even exist. He is the one causing it."
He added: "Seeing how Hamilton compares to Russell, and how Russell compares to Antonelli, you have to wonder: how good is Hamilton really anymore? And conversely: how good is Leclerc? Are they both still world championship material?"
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