Günther Steiner sees Ferrari and McLaren emerging as frontrunners in a fiercely contested F1 season, predicting a tough fight for supremacy.
Günther Steiner was asked about the hierarchy and dynamics of the upcoming Formula 1 season. The former Haas F1 boss envisions different phases unfolding throughout the year, with multiple teams taking turns at the top, though he sees two teams standing out over the full season.
“I see the four teams close to each other again—last year, towards the end, they were very close,” Steiner said. “But my favorites are Ferrari and McLaren because they were so strong at the end of last year, and I think they have understood what the car needs to be fast.”
“It’s not just about aerodynamic downforce; it’s also about car balance, handling, and how they manage everything. So I think they will be the favorites for me.”
“Moreover, they have the driver pairing; both have experienced drivers, whereas Mercedes and Red Bull each have a rookie. Liam isn’t really a rookie, but he hasn’t done a full season. That makes things difficult because a rookie is still a rookie—even if he’s very good, there’s still a lot to learn.”
“I believe the two strongest teams will be Ferrari and McLaren, and if I had to choose between them, I would say McLaren because they did a great job last year. I think they were very strong at the end of the season.”
He insists that his view is not influenced by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, as he believes Charles Leclerc could take the upper hand at Maranello: “No. I attribute this to the team, not the drivers for now. Because Ferrari made good progress in the second half of last season.”
“And it seemed that every time they made changes, they got faster. I think they have understood what they need to do. So I’m not going to be sentimental here. I remain very technical, and I believe in Ferrari.”
But if Ferrari delivers on its ambition to win the title, who will emerge as the team’s lead driver—Hamilton or Leclerc? Steiner is putting his faith in Leclerc, but only if he can adopt one of Hamilton’s key strengths.
“I think Lewis is very strong in races, but he is getting older. Charles is very young, and if he picks up the skills Lewis has gained—either by working with him or by learning from him within the same team—I believe Charles could establish himself as the lead driver by the end of the season.”
Last year, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri became race winners, and Steiner believes others could join that list: “I think we will see different winners this year—I’m almost certain of it. Will we see rookies winning? I think it’s difficult but not impossible. But there will be more than one winner this year, just like last year.”
The big unknown for Steiner is when teams will shift their focus to the all-new 2026 project: “I think everyone will move to the 2026 car by May because that’s the future.”
“And if you develop the 2025 car until May, you’re still introducing parts into the middle of the year, because you develop first and then have to manufacture the parts, which obviously takes time. So I don’t think there will be much development for the 2025 car after May or early June.”
“Unless someone is fighting for the world championship. If the battle is tight, then clearly, teams will decide to take a bit more time to ensure they win the title. But I think that right now, everyone’s planning is already focused 95 to 97% on the 2026 car by June.”
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Steiner Tips Ferrari & McLaren for 2025 Supremacy in F1 Steiner Tips Ferrari & McLaren for 2025 Supremacy in F1 Steiner Tips Ferrari & McLaren for 2025 Supremacy in F1
