Guenther Steiner explains young drivers' quick adaptation to 2026 F1 rules

Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner attributes the success of younger drivers in the 2026 season to their lack of ingrained habits from previous cars. He highlighted Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship after wins at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Steiner contrasted Antonelli's edge with teammate George Russell's challenges.

Guenther Steiner, ex-principal of the Haas F1 team, discussed on the Drive to Wynn podcast why younger drivers have thrived under the 2026 regulations. He pointed out that they adapt faster to new technologies without the burden of bad habits developed over years in older cars. 'The key factor for me is how the young drivers adapted to this,' Steiner said. 'They don't have many bad habits yet which they have to change.'

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Illustration of Kimi Antonelli celebrating his F1 victory on the podium.
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Kimi Antonelli's rivals warned as growth predicted

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Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes Kimi Antonelli will become even stronger by his mid-20s. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver has taken an early lead in the 2026 Formula 1 championship after wins in China, Japan and Miami.

Guenther Steiner has dismissed suggestions that Kimi Antonelli can challenge George Russell for the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' title, despite the Mercedes rookie's win at the Chinese Grand Prix. After two rounds, Antonelli sits second in the standings behind his teammate. Steiner credits the victory with boosting Antonelli's confidence but highlights Russell's greater experience.

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Helmut Marko, former Red Bull advisor, forecasts a drivers' championship duel between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in 2026. Mercedes has dominated the season's opening races under new regulations. Antonelli leads the standings after strong qualifying and two victories.

The 2026 Australian Grand Prix delivered a mix of overtakes and criticisms as Formula 1's new regulations sparked debate among drivers. George Russell secured victory for Mercedes ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, while rookies like Arvid Lindblad impressed with points finishes. However, complaints about artificial racing due to energy management dominated post-race discussions.

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Jacques Villeneuve has argued that Mercedes' dominance in the early 2026 Formula 1 season is not as overwhelming as in 2014. The 1997 F1 champion highlighted differences in performance gaps and car characteristics. He predicts other teams will improve energy management.

Audi Formula 1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley suggests Max Verstappen's strong criticism of the 2026 regulations partly reflects Red Bull's struggles in the early races. Verstappen labeled the new cars as 'anti-racing' and compared them to 'Formula E on steroids' after the China Grand Prix. Wheatley, a former Red Bull sporting director, views the racing positively.

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Formula 1 tested modifications to its 2026 regulations at the Miami Grand Prix, prompting varied reactions from drivers. While some saw progress in qualifying, concerns persisted over racing dynamics and energy management. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli won the race amid ongoing debates.

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