Mercedes told by Guenther Steiner to consider 27-podium star over Kimi Antonelli in 2026

Speaking on the Red Flags Podcast’s Gas or Break segment, Steiner was asked if a seat swap between Antonelli and Albon would be good for the 2026 F1 season.

He answered: “Gas,” signalling support for the move. “Kimi and Albon, or Kimi and Sainz, we should say.”

“It would be better for Kimi, I think, it would give him time to calm down.

“Look what happened with Liam Lawson when the pressure is gone. He can have good results, you develop, and then you come back as a better driver.

“They should try [to do the swap], but I don’t think that James Vowles is up for that.

“But it’s a good idea, gas. It’s better for Kimi. No disrespect, the kid is 19 years old. We can see it’s too early for him; he makes too many mistakes; even Toto said that.

“Knowing Toto when he starts to talk about [something], there is always something behind [it].

“Maybe he’s thinking about that, saying he’s making too many mistakes. Maybe in one or two races it is better we send him to Williams to learn but maybe there is something.”

When asked who he would choose to replace Kimi Antonelli next year if he were in Vowles’ shoes, Steiner said: “I will give up Carlos. Yeah, because Albon has been there longer, he knows everything. At the moment, he’s getting better results. I would give up Carlos.”

Pressure mounts on Carlos Sainz at Williams after Ferrari exit

There was no shortage of interest in Carlos Sainz when it became clear he would be leaving Ferrari, with Williams eventually securing his signature.

But the 29-year-old, who boasts 27 podium finishes in F1, has not quite found his feet at Williams yet this season.

Sainz has struggled to find form early on. He is trailing teammate Albon by 54 points. Sitting in 18th place in the drivers’ standings, he will be keen to turn things around and avoid what could be his lowest finish yet in F1.

The Spaniard prioritised Williams when he joined the team, initially sharing his knowledge earned at Ferrari to help them. Now, he must prioritise himself. However, a Mercedes move seems unlikely after Antonelli’s promotion.

Williams has been hampered by minor errors, though his car is far from flawless. Clashes with Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman are just some examples from recent races that cost him valuable points.

If he can iron out those errors moving forward, there is every chance we could see him chip away at Albon’s early advantage.