Guenther Steiner Forecasts Mercedes Dominance Over Verstappen in High-Stakes Miami Grand Prix Prediction

Guenther Steiner expects Kimi Antonelli and George Russell to dominate the Miami GP, with Max Verstappen finishing third amid major F1 engine rule changes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 11:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Steiner Defies Market Expectations for Miami

As the Formula 1 circus descends upon the Sunshine State, Guenther Steiner has issued a provocative forecast that challenges the narrative of a potential Red Bull resurgence. While many analysts anticipate a shift in the competitive order following a four-week developmental break, the former Haas team boss remains steadfast in his belief that Mercedes will continue its stranglehold on the 2026 season. Steiner’s prediction specifically places championship leader Kimi Antonelli and his teammate George Russell on the top two steps of the podium, relegating the four-time world champion Max Verstappen to a third-place finish despite expected Red Bull improvements.

Mercedes Maintains Early Season Momentum

The 2026 campaign has belonged almost exclusively to the Silver Arrows, with the team securing every pole position and race win across the opening four rounds. Following consecutive 1-2 finishes in Australia and China, Mercedes currently holds a commanding 45-point lead over Ferrari in the Constructors’ standings. This dominant form has placed rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli nine points clear of Russell in the Drivers’ Championship. Steiner suggests that the internal battle between the young Italian and the experienced Briton will be the defining narrative of the Miami weekend, regardless of the upgrades brought by the chasing pack.

Navigating Radical Engine Regulation Tweaks

The Miami Grand Prix marks a pivotal technical juncture for the grid as Formula 1 introduces mid-season adjustments to power unit regulations. The permitted energy recharge in qualifying has been slashed to 7MJ, while the maximum boost during the race has been capped at +150 kW to prevent excessive battery harvesting. While paddock speculation suggested these changes might disproportionately hinder Mercedes due to their superior energy management, Steiner argues the shift could actually assist Verstappen. He noted that the reduction in complex charging cycles might allow the Red Bull driver to bridge the gap and secure a podium spot on a track that demands unique power delivery.