Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has warned that Mercedes will likely introduce team orders soon if Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton pose a serious threat in the 2026 Formula 1 championship.
Steiner made the comments on The Red Flags Podcast after Ferrari's strong performance at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, where Hamilton secured his first win for the team.
In the opening seven races of the season, Mercedes has permitted its drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to compete freely. Antonelli has secured five victories while Russell claimed one.
"I think if the performance of Ferrari continues, Toto will come down to give team orders," Steiner said. He added that Wolff would act quickly once Ferrari shows consistent pace.
Antonelli leads the drivers' championship by 41 points over Hamilton, with Russell nine points further back in third. The next race is the Austrian Grand Prix, scheduled for 26-28 June at the Red Bull Ring.
