Max Verstappen backed to avoid major Fernando Alonso 'mistake'

Max Verstappen has been backed to avoid following in the mis-trodden footsteps of Fernando Alonso when it comes to making his next F1 career move.

For the first time since 2021, Verstappen goes into a new season no longer wearing the crown of F1 drivers' champion, with his four-year reign at an end, albeit by the slenderest of margins.

Despite a sensational fightback following F1's summer break this year, in which he was on the podium in all 10 races, winning six, the Red Bull driver missed out by two points on clinching a record-equalling fifth consecutive title.

With the new regulations for 2026, Verstappen now heads into the great unknown, in particular, as Red Bull has opted to develop its own power unit. The question is whether it will be a second year without a championship for the Dutchman.

Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner does not doubt that if that is the case, and there is little sign of Red Bull improving for 2027, then Verstappen, along with father Jos, and manager Raymond Vermeulen, will ensure he secures a winning seat for that year - unlike Alonso.

That is with reference to the fact that the two-time F1 champion made poor career choices as he attempted to add a third title.

"I think that Max will be in the right car, so he will continue with the success," said Steiner, speaking on the Red Flags podcast.

"He's very smart, and he's surrounded by smart people. I think his contract is open, and whoever has the leading car will want Max Verstappen, and they will make it happen."

Verstappen 'can make it happen'

It is known that Verstappen has clauses in his Red Bull contract, that runs through to 2028, that would allow him to leave Red Bull.

That was certainly the case last year when Mercedes courted the 28-year-old, only to miss out as Verstappen was in the top three of the drivers' standings going into the summer break, a position that ensured he could not leave.

"He can make it happen on his side, with the contract he has, and I think he has already planned for that," added Steiner.

"He won't make a move like Fernando Alonso. Fernando was very good at picking the wrong car all the time. Fernando is a talent, but he has always put himself in the wrong car.

"Max will not make that mistake because between Jos, his father, and Raymond Vermeulen, they will make sure they get him in the right car.

"So I don't think we have to worry about that. Max will be in the best, if not the second-best, car."