Max Verstappen could potentially be better suited to help Ferrari, according to former Formula 1 team boss Guenther Steiner.
Steiner questions Hamilton leadership fit
The debate emerged following the Mexican Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc attacked Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap, costing both drivers a shot at victory as Verstappen took the win, RacingNews365 reported. Hamilton subsequently called for changes within the squad, stating that their on-track clashes were not the way to fight for world championships.
Steiner questioned whether Hamilton is the right driver to lead Ferrari back to championship success during an appearance on the Red Flags Podcast, pointing out that past champions like Fernando Alonso also failed to secure a title with the Scuderia.
When asked if Verstappen would be a better fit for the Italian outfit, Steiner suggested the Red Bull driver possesses the necessary uncompromising drive.
“You know how Max is.” “He wouldn’t stop.” “He is ruthless.”
Brian Muller, Steiner’s co-host, said that securing Verstappen remains unlikely in the short term, leaving Ferrari to manage with Hamilton.
Vasseur defends equal status approach
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur addressed Hamilton and Leclerc in São Paulo to tackle the escalating friction, though he confirmed the team’s philosophy of treating both drivers equally would not change, according to Autoblog.
Verstappen criticized that management style, arguing that teams aiming for titles should establish a clear hierarchy rather than employing two equal number-one drivers.
Hamilton bears responsibility for late pit stop timing
Steiner also pointed to tactical execution issues during the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton pitted a lap too late for intermediate tyres as rain intensified.
The former Haas team principal argued that the driver bears ultimate responsibility for judging track conditions from the cockpit rather than relying solely on pit wall radar.
Steiner said, noting that Hamilton was fortunate not to destroy his car when he spun during the race.
