Guenther Steiner tells Max Verstappen he should speak to other teams and consider his options, amid rumours he could potentially quit Red Bull and potentially even Formula 1 as his frustration grows.
The four-time world champion is far from impressed with the new power units and the extent of battery management they demand from the drivers, as well as other limitations with the new engines such as super clipping and race starts.
He has not minced his words by describing the new cars as ‘Formula E on steroids’ and making comparisons to the gimmicky arcade game, Mario Kart – ironically, as the franchise arrived at the Japanese GP to promote the new Super Mario movie.
Combined with Red Bull struggling for performance with Verstappen locked in a race against Pierre Gasly’s Alpine at the Suzuka International Racing Course compared to the front of the field, his mood is not being helped as race wins, podiums and pole positions swiftly dry up.
So on several occasions, the Dutchman has suggested he could quit the sport to focus on his other racing passions, as well as his young family of which he shares a daughter with Kelly Piquet, the daughter of three-time F1 world champion, Nelson.
But rather than outright walking away from Red Bull, Steiner recommends Verstappen explores his options within the paddock and tells him to test the waters of teams like Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari to consider whether a more promising seat is available.
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“I think he still believes in Red Bull,” Steiner exclusively told Total-Motorsport.com, in association with casino.org/us. “But they need to tell him why he should believe, and that is Laurent’s job, and it’s not an easy one.
“But in parallel, if I were Max, I would look around to see what is possible, because it’s not forbidden. Just looking around doesn’t always mean that you’re leaving, but I would start looking at options.”
Max Verstappen celebrates daughter’s first birthday ahead of Miami GP
Verstappen and Kelly marked the first birthday of their daughter, Lily, on April 25, with a private and intimate celebration characteristically focused on family – a core value of the 71-time Grand Prix winner.
The event was held in a relaxed home setting, featuring close relatives and a warm atmosphere as decorations included flowers, balloons, and a themed arrangement centred around a birthday cake for the youngster.
Highlights from the day were shared through social media, where Kelly posted a collection of images and moments celebrating Lily’s first year. The infant was born on May 1 ahead of the 2025 Miami GP, as couple announced the news publicly with a short message and photos.
Describing Lily as a special addition to their lives, the timing meant Verstappen briefly stepped away from pre-race commitments before returning to the paddock to continue his schedule.
Speaking soon after, Verstappen explained that becoming a father was a new and meaningful experience, noting that it felt different to anything he had known before.
“It was beautiful to be part of. It’s nice that I could be there,” Verstappen told Viaplay. “My father and mother also said that that’s the best thing, to be there and experience everything. Well, that’s absolutely true.
“I have to say, so far it’s actually quite nice. She also sleeps quite well, so that helps of course. Seeing your own child like that is very special.
“And of course, if I take my sister as an example. Then you see those children and then you hold them – that is already very special, but when you also fully hold your own child, that is of course an even bigger step.”
