Steiner thinks Norris still needs to take step towards Max in terms of maturity

Asked by Ziggo Sport Race Café whether Norris can compete with Verstappen in similar cars under similar conditions, Steiner answered: "I would say I think he would maybe need a little bit, because Max has developed. If you go back to Max in the beginning, he was always fast. But as you said, he didn't have the maturity, and in the race, maybe he made mistakes or was impatient or something."

He continued: "And I think because Lando has won only one race up to now, for him it would take a little bit to get that coolness, I think. At a certain stage, leading a race, you need not to be excited about it. This is just normality. I'm leading the race, I'm going to win it. If I'm leading the race, I'm going to win it. It's easier to make mistakes," Steiner said.

Advice for Antonelli

Mercedes have not yet tied the knot on who should succeed Lewis Hamilton. Max Verstappen is still the dream candidate, but seems unfeasible before 2025. Carlos Sainz only seems to want to sign a two-year-long deal, while Toto Wolff plans to hand out a one-year contract. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the third candidate.

The 17-year-old driver skipped Formula 3 and makes his debut in Formula 2 this year. Although the Italian is sixth in the championship, he is still very inconsistent. Steiner would advise Antonelli not to make the move to the king class of motorsport already next year and become a teammate of George Russell.

"I would say do another season in Formula 2. Just take it easy. There is a good future for you. Do not try to panic or do something too quick, because if you fail, you never get up. It takes time. Try to do a good job, focus on it, try to win it next year, because as you said, this year, winning it will be very difficult. Try to win a race this year. Set realistic targets, try to win a race this year and try to win the championship next year," Steiner concluded.