F1 | Steiner between past and future: “Farewell is a liberation and I have no grudge against Haas”
Guenther Steiner and the background to the stormy farewell to Haas that took place last winter
F1 Steiner Haas – Guenther Steiner has said he feels no hard feelings about leaving Haas after years of struggle. The former team principal, now an author and television personality, recently opened up about his experience in Formula 1, explaining why he doesn't miss his role.
In his second book, Unfiltered, Steiner explores the challenges and frustrations he experienced while leading the American team. Having become popular thanks to the Drive to Survive series, Steiner reflected on his journey with the American team, emphasizing how his passion for the work never waned. However, at a certain point he felt helpless: “When you know you have the passion and the skills, but you realize you can’t do what it takes, it’s like having one arm tied behind your back. At that point, the passion disappears.”
Steiner and the behind the scenes of his farewell to Haas
According to the South Tyrolean, Haas has made bad decisions, especially in recent years. He has spoken openly of the frustration he felt at seeing the team reduce its resources and not seize the opportunities offered by situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, unlike other teams that have managed to reinvent themselves. In his book, available in bookstores from today, Steiner also says he perceived the risk of a possible closure of the team by Gene Haas. He tried several times to convince him to continue, even going so far as to find an investment offer to keep the team alive. However, the team owner refused, motivated by a question of ego: "He thinks that either we do it his way, or nothing."
The relief of dismissal
When his exit from the team was confirmed, Steiner felt a mixture of relief and pride for the work he had done from 2015 to 2024. “I felt free. I didn’t have that block anymore. Not many can say they did what I did. I’m proud and I don’t feel hurt because my life goes on. I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t steal money, I didn’t harm anyone. People still respect me, even in Formula 1. I’m happy, I have no regrets, absolutely not.”
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