Guenther Steiner Tied to Potential F1 Team Takeover Amid Return Plans

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is in the spotlight with rumors suggesting he is considering a return to Formula 1, this time as a team owner. After replacing him at Haas in early 2024, Steiner is apparently planning an impressive entry, aiming for an ownership position in the existing team.

The rumors gained momentum after Japanese publication Autosport-web reported that Steiner was exploring the possibility of acquiring a stake in an existing F1 team. The move marks a potentially significant comeback for Steiner, who has expressed his determination to compete at the forefront of F1, not just score occasional points.

In previous statements, Steiner has emphasized his desire to compete at the highest level of F1, aiming for wins and podiums, not just participation. He made it clear that he will not return to just manage the team unless there is a real chance to compete for success.

According to reports, Steiner already has the financial resources and investor backing necessary to transition to team ownership. One of the teams mentioned as a possible target for Steiner is Red Bull Racing’s other team, RB. However, any acquisition would require the team to continue using Red Bull engines until 2030 and add a junior Red Bull driver to its line-up.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that the interest of several interested parties in the acquisition of RB is significant. He explained that while there are many interested parties, the final decision rests with the team’s shareholders. Marko emphasized that the high costs associated with the acquisition of an F1 team make the process difficult, and the final decision has not yet been made.

RB are currently sixth in the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship standings, having been decent to date. This season marks the first year without Franz Tost as team manager, with Peter Bayer taking over as team CEO and Laurent Mekies as team manager.

For Steiner, the opportunity to take over the team offers an opportunity to realize his desire to compete and win at the top of Formula 1. His potential entry as a team owner would add a new dimension to the F1 arena, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how this story unfolds in the coming months.