Guenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen will go winless in 2026 F1 season

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes four-time champion Max Verstappen will fail to win a single grand prix during the 2026 F1 season. Steiner stated that Red Bull's current package is not competitive enough against its rivals.

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast after the Spanish Grand Prix, Steiner explained that Mercedes and McLaren are currently too strong. According to the former team chief, the limitation lies with the car itself, noting that while Verstappen may reach the podium, winning a race will be beyond the car's capabilities.

In Madrid, Verstappen finished second after capitalising when polesitter Lando Norris lost his lead due to an ill-timed virtual safety car and a slow pitstop. Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Verstappen acknowledged his pace disadvantage to McLaren and Mercedes, attributing the gap to a mix of power deployment and the car itself.

Verstappen currently sits sixth in the standings with 145 points, trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 147 points. The Dutchman's best results so far this year are second-place finishes at the Austrian, Hungarian, and Spanish Grands Prix. The 15th round of the 2026 season, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, is scheduled for 24-26 September at the Baku City Circuit.