The search for the next Max Verstappen successor in Formula 1 has reignited as intense discussion fills the paddock ahead of the 2026 season. With Verstappen continuing to dominate since his 2015 debut, winning 71 grand prix races and securing four championships, speculation is growing about which promising newcomers could follow in his formidable footsteps.
Rising Stars Captivating the 2025 Formula 1 Grid
This year’s class of F1 rookies is drawing significant attention, with names like Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto, and Liam Lawson taking center stage. After spending time with Red Bull, Lawson is returning to Racing Bulls, an intriguing move as he prepares to join forces with Verstappen. Meanwhile, Colapinto’s performance with Williams has set him up for higher expectations, reflecting the fierce competition and growing scrutiny from fans and teams alike.
Guenther Steiner’s Verdict on Potential Successors
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner weighed in on the future of the sport, expressing optimism that the next Max Verstappen successor may already be on the grid. Steiner, renowned for guiding Haas through challenging periods, offered candid remarks:
“There have definitely been some promising performances,”
Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal. Among those catching his eye are Oliver Bearman, highly regarded within Ferrari circles; Kimi Antonelli; Isack Hadjar; and Gabriel Bortoleto.
For Bearman, a future at Ferrari seems increasingly likely, with strong support behind his ambitions. Bortoleto, who struggled with an uncompetitive car at first, began to shine as his equipment improved. Steiner commented,
“As soon as the car improved, he showed what he’s capable of,”
Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal. This sentiment highlights how opportunities in Formula 1 can shift dramatically when drivers are given the tools to prove themselves.
Pivotal Seasons and High Stakes for Aspiring Champions
Steiner’s analysis pointedly addressed the next critical phase for the rookies:
“Now we’ll see who has what it takes to reach the very top,”
Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal. The next two seasons will be pivotal, giving rookies like Bearman, Antonelli, and Bortoleto a narrow window to solidify their places among F1’s elite. Failing to meet expectations could quickly see new contenders pushing past them, making the stakes higher than ever for those hoping to emerge as leading prospects.
Legacy and performance are inseparable in racing, especially with the bar set by Verstappen. Steiner himself admitted,
“A talent like Max Verstappen doesn’t come along very often,”
Guenther Steiner, Former Haas Team Principal. This acknowledgment places enormous pressure not just on current rookies but any would-be successors, reminding everyone that only outstanding performance can lead to such heights.
The Race for Greatness Intensifies Ahead of 2026
As speculation swirls around who could ultimately succeed Verstappen, one thing is clear: the path to becoming the next Max Verstappen is fraught with challenge and unpredictability. With teams like Haas, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, and Red Bull watching closely, the track will reveal which talent rises and who fades away. Seasoned engineers, pundits, and racing fans alike are eager to witness whether fresh stars can rise above the intense pressures of F1. The coming seasons will determine if a true successor to Verstappen’s reign steps into the spotlight or if new drivers yet unknown will seize the moment and claim their legacy. The countdown to a new era of championship battles has begun, and the quest for the next Max Verstappen successor in F1 is officially underway.
