Guenther Steiner Breaks Silence on Departure from F1
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has decided to share details about his unexpected departure from Formula 1 in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News. In his first television appearance since announcing his departure after 10 years as team principal, Steiner revealed the behind-the-scenes story behind the surprising career turnaround.
One of the most striking revelations was when Steiner found out his contract would not be renewed. Between Christmas and New Years, he received a call from Gene Haas, the team’s owner, announcing the decision. Steiner admitted that although the 2023 results were not satisfactory, the non-renewal of his contract was something he did not expect.
Another point made during the interview was his defense of more investment in the team’s infrastructure to keep up with rivals in F1. Steiner emphasized the importance of improving the team structure to meet the competitive challenges of the category. His understanding of the need for further investment at Haas underlines the commitment he had to the continued development of the team.
A notable aspect of Guenther Steiner’s career in recent years has been his projection beyond the traditional F1 environment. Thanks to the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” Steiner became a well-known and sometimes controversial figure among fans. Asked about his “celebrity” status and whether it might have caused discomfort at Haas, Steiner revealed that while he didn’t plan for the fame, it brought more positives than negatives to the team. The additional visibility attracted valuable sponsors, demonstrating that its notoriety beyond the tracks had beneficial impacts for Haas.
Addressing the statements of Gene Haas, who expressed being “embarrassed” by the team’s performance, Steiner stressed that the owner will have to bear the consequences of these words. The departure of the experienced team principal represents a significant change for Haas, and Steiner indicated he was at peace with the situation, with no rush to return to another role in F1. He mentioned that “good things will come” in his future, but he does not feel the immediate need to return to the Formula 1 scene.
Ultimately, Guenther Steiner’s Sky Sports News interview offered an illuminating insight into his departure from F1, shedding light on unexpected aspects and challenges faced behind the scenes at the Haas team. His frankness and openness about these events have provided fans with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the world of Formula 1, as Steiner bids farewell to his prominent role at Haas.
