SUMMARY
- Guenther Steiner discussed his unanticipated Haas exit and revealed insights into his stint.
- Steiner's departure coincides with a performance-driven decision and upcoming driver contract changes.
Guenther Steiner took the stage at Autosport International leveraging the occasion to discuss his unexpected exit from Haas. Steiner, who had been ousted from his duties as the head of the Haas F1 team earlier in the week, offered a few thoughts on his stint therein. Since Steiner is no longer directing the campaign in support of Haas, he diplomatically exposed the team’s lingering flaws.
Haas had an unorthodox strategy for racing in Formula 1, one that included acquiring as many parts as possible, including their chassis. This same approach raised a few eyebrows among those around the paddock. However, Gene Haas, the owner of the American team, insists they will be complying with their existing strategy and maintain the collaboration with Ferrari.
Guenther Steiner revealed his unexpected plans beyond F1
When the former Italian team lead made his debut in the public eye in 2024, he commented on the primary takeaways from the interview. He also refuted some of the rumors that had been floating around concerning why he and Haas parted ways. Steiner reinstated that he had not been given the chance to say goodbye to the workers at the factory.
Guenther Steiner will not return to Formula 1 for “several months” after his departure.
“It’s been a tough ten years and I have a lot of things to do, there’s a lot of cleaning up to do at home.”
“Staying in Formula 1 just to do a job isn’t something I want for me.”
“I got the… pic.twitter.com/awEH86KOhc
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 13, 2024
Around Christmas and New Year’s, Gene Haas called Steiner to inform him that Haas did not require his services in 2024. He said, “I don’t know if Formula 1 wants me! If something interesting comes along that challenges me, yes, but just staying in Formula 1 just to do a job, maybe is not what I want to do.”
But to the excitement of his fans, the Italian also announced, “But I will be around at some races, people will see me on TV maybe!” Haas is preparing to be under the leadership of new team boss, Ayao Komatsu.
Gene Haas announced the real reason behind the sacking
As a major contributing factor to Steiner’s surprise removal from his position, Gene Haas pointed out the lack of podium results. The 58-year-old had served as the team principal for Haas since its initiation into the sport in 2016. It came off as a nightmare for fans when Guenther Steiner announced his retirement from Haas as well as the sport.
Gene Haas on Guenther Steiner’s departure:
“[…] Here we are in our eighth year, over 160 races – we have never had a podium. The last couple of years, we’ve been 10th or ninth.”
“I’m not sitting here saying it’s Guenther’s fault, or anything like that, but it just seems like… pic.twitter.com/BEv7k1Yfkk
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 11, 2024
Regardless, Gene Haas was straightforward when it came to the progress of the outfit. He said, “It came down to performance. Here we are in our eighth year, over 160 races – we have never had a podium. The last couple of years, we’ve been 10th or ninth…it just seems like this was an appropriate time to make a change and try a different direction.”
With the contracts of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen terminating in 2024, the team sought to take a different route. Given that the upcoming season is longer than usual, it will be a decisive one for the American team.
