Next Max Verstappen claim issued by former F1 team boss

Guenther Steiner believes many of the rookies from the 2025 F1 season have the opportunity to become the "new" Max Verstappen, but feels only time will tell if any can emulate the Red Bull driver.

The Dutchman has triumphed in 71 grands prix since reaching F1 in 2015, winning four drivers' championships and setting himself apart as the latest benchmark in the series, taking over the torch from Lewis Hamilton.

Last year saw a packed rookie class, with multiple of the six embarking on their first full season impressing up and down the paddock.

Jack Doohan was only given six rounds at Alpine before being replaced by Franco Colapinto, who had nine grands prix worth of experience from his time with Williams, and Liam Lawson was unceremoniously demoted from Red Bull back to Racing Bulls.

However, the New Zealander, like Colapinto, did enough to save his seat. The 23-year-old will enter 2026 alongside the only rookie this term, Arvid Lindblad.

The remaining four — Isack Hadjar, Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto and Oliver Bearman — all showed promise, and set tails in the paddock wagging through their performances at some stage of the season.

When the first three were put to Steiner, and he was asked which he felt could be the "new" Verstappen, the former Haas team principal also included the lattermost driver, who races for his old team, into the mix.

"It's too early to say," the Italian told Sport Krone. "But there have definitely been some promising performances.

"I'd also include Oliver Bearman, who has shown glimpses of his talent. "And yes, even Bortoleto. He initially had an uncompetitive car and therefore flew somewhat under the radar. As soon as the car improved, he showed what he's capable of.

"You have to beat a team-mate like Nico Hülkenberg in qualifying first. So yes, I think these rookies are definitely talented."

The 60-year-old highlighted how crucial the next couple of seasons will be for the quartet.

Hadjar has been promoted to the seat alongside Verstappen, so will now face the most intensive spotlight. Not far behind him will be Antonelli, who had an up-and-down maiden voyage at Mercedes.

With Verstappen linked to the Brackley-based squad, the young Italian will need to take a step closer to George Russell in 2026.

Bortoleto will continue in the same seat, but with the team around him now the works Audi outfit, there will be more scrutiny than before.

So, it is perhaps Bearman, who has already been marked down as a future Ferrari driver, who has the most straightforward season ahead.

"Now we'll see who has what it takes to reach the very top. In the second and third seasons, you have to really deliver," Steiner added.

"They certainly have the chance to do so — but you also have to say that a talent like Max Verstappen doesn't come along very often.

"But at least no rookie has performed poorly this year. But Formula 1 is a tough business. If they don't continue to perform well, new drivers will get their chance."

Who do you think is the most likely to become the "new" Max Verstappen? Let us know in the comments section and by voting below in the latest poll by RacingNews365!