Verstappen’s Dream F1 Pairing: Steiner Picks Lauda as Ideal Teammate

The world of Formula 1 has always been the scene of passionate debates about the legends who shaped the sport. Recently, Guenther Steiner, former Haas F1 team principal, was asked to create his dream duo, choosing from drivers from all eras. Surprisingly, Steiner chose Max Verstappen, the current dominant force in F1, and Niki Lauda, a legend from the past, as the perfect duo.

Verstappen, after an incredible campaign in 2023, where he achieved a remarkable 19 victories from 22 races, was an obvious choice for Steiner. His exceptional driving skill and dominance on the tracks have marked him out as the world champion in 2023, joining the select group of tricampeones, where Niki Lauda also resides.

Lauda, an emblematic figure of the 1970s/80s, was Steiner’s choice to be Verstappen’s dream teammate. Steiner described Lauda as “the man” who always delivered results, even if he was not the fastest. This choice adds a historical and nostalgic dimension to this hypothetical dream team.

However, the F1 landscape is constantly evolving, and Steiner expressed confidence that Verstappen’s period of dominance “will come to an end”. More intense competition is expected in 2024, with teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin aiming to dominate Red Bull. Steiner emphasizes that balance can be restored as teams seek innovations within existing regulations.

The discussion about F1’s popularity in times of one team’s dominance was also addressed by Steiner. He maintains that this period of domination is transitory and that competition will be revived shortly. With the rules remaining stable in the short term and significant changes expected in 2026, the sporting panorama promises to be dynamic and exciting.

Verstappen’s contract until the end of 2028 suggests we have several exciting seasons ahead, with the Dutch driver seeking more titles and cementing his place among Formula 1 legends. The exciting dream duo Verstappen-Lauda, even if only hypothetical, offers fans a fascinating reflection on the eras and great names that define this extraordinary sport.