2025 is the year Verstappen became “Super”: Steiner’s analysis
Former Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner placed Max Verstappen at the top of his personal ranking of drivers for the 2025 season. According to Guenther Steiner, even though Lando Norris claimed the Drivers’ Championship, the Dutchman displayed so many remarkable qualities and consistent high-level performances that he deserved a category of his own. Steiner dubbed him “Super Max” to underline the exceptional value of his 2025 campaign.
Performance and respect across the paddock
Guenther Steiner did not limit his praise to general statements. In his view, the season for the four-time world champion was so rich in impressive performances that it warranted a special recognition. In his ranking, Steiner also included other top contenders such as Lando Norris, crowned world champion, and Oscar Piastri, noting them as high-level drivers, while also giving positive evaluations to George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Isack Hadjar. Despite not winning the title, Max Verstappen remained a reference point for consistency, speed, and the ability to stay competitive under constantly changing conditions.
“Super Max” recognition aligns with wider consensus
The designation of “Super Max” by Steiner aligns with other signals emerging from the 2025 championship. Even without the Drivers’ Championship, Verstappen was voted Driver of the Year by his peers in an official survey of team principals, confirming the respect and admiration he continues to command across the grid.
A fiercely contested championship
The 2025 season was one of the most fiercely contested in recent years, with Lando Norris managing to top the Drivers’ Championship ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. This result reflected both the progress of McLaren and the exceptionally high level of competition among the best drivers. However, Steiner’s analysis highlights how, in the eyes of many insiders, Max Verstappen’s absolute performance level remained extremely high despite not securing the world title. These evaluations contribute to a broader debate about how to judge a driver’s effectiveness in the context of a championship that is both highly competitive and rich in technical and strategic complexity.
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