Interview
Steiner's verdict: 'Expiry date for these F1 drivers'
- Ludo van Denderen
The 2024 season is unique. All 20 drivers who started at the previous year's final Grand Prix returned for the first Grand Prix in 2024. It rarely, if ever, happens where no team makes a chance. Next season will be different, as a reshuffle will happen. That means a farewell for some drivers in Formula 1. Guenther Steiner, in conversation with GPblog, assessed the current grid and indicated which of the drivers should no longer have a place in the class.
The former Haas boss first mentioned Guanyu Zhou. "I think Zhou has had difficulty finding a seat again next year. I think Valtteri [Bottas] has now got the chance to stay at Sauber for next year because Carlos [Sainz] didn't sign there. But otherwise, I think he's [Zhou] one which is going. Kevin Magnussen, he hasn't got a seat at the moment."
So Steiner's conclusion is: "There are a few drivers who are out. These are the drivers which didn't show enough performance to justify a seat. People take, say, take a little bit of risk and take somebody new, which they know could be better. It isn't for certain, but at least you give yourself a chance. Next year is perfect because the cars are very solid. Now you know what you have got normally. There are not any big developments, and everybody has got an experienced driver, so you put the young driver beside him."
'Everyone thinks they can become champion in 2026'
Steiner previously expressed his understanding that teams like Haas choose young talents. "And then at least you find out for 2026 when the new rules come. All teams will think they will be world champions again. That's like it always is in Formula 1. That 'we will be alright. We will be the best.' That's 10 teams saying that in the moment. So at least you are prepared with the driver," Steiner said.
This article has been written in collaboration with Matt Gretton