SUMMARY
- Guenther Steiner left Haas following a mysterious disagreement in January 2024.
- Renowned Dutch journalist reveals the actual reason behind Steiner's departure.
Earlier this year, the already suffering Haas Formula 1 team took yet another nasty tumble when Guenther Steiner announced his departure from the outfit. For years since the late 2010s, the American outfit had been under immense scrutiny from the media and the fans for persistently delivering underwhelming performances.
Furthermore, the hate worsened when the Formula One Group denied Andretti Global entry into the sport. Subsequently, the entire motorsport community questioned the point of having Haas on the grid when a far more ambitious party in Andretti was there for the take. However, FOM refrained from responding to such questions.
But, amidst such resentment towards Haas, a renowned Dutch journalist has revealed the actual reason why Steiner decided to leave Haas. And shockingly enough, it’s not because of the team’s substandard performances in recent years. Instead, it points to a financial disagreement that inevitably caused a rift between the two parties.
The American motorsport outfit had embraced a healthy relationship with Steiner for almost a decade, but, Steiner’s multi-million dollar demand led to chaos in January this year. Thus, upon Gene Haas‘ disapproval, Steiner decided to part ways with the team almost immediately.
What really happened between Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner?
According to prominent Ziggo Sport journalist, Jack Plooij, Steiner managed to bring in a sponsor worth close to $20 million, but with a demand of his own. The 58-year-old wanted shares in the team, which was rejected by Gene Haas, leading to the big decision in January.
“Günther and I spoke at the beginning of the week, but we weren’t allowed to ask how it actually went with Haas and what he would do. But then he sent me a message, allowing me to tell what happened,” Plooij told Race Cafe according to Formula Passion.
⚠️ | Dutch Journalist Jack Plooij on what happened between Günther Steiner and Haas:
“Günther and I spoke at the beginning of the week, but we weren’t allowed to ask how it actually went with Haas and what he would do. But then he sent me a message, allowing me to tell what… pic.twitter.com/gdsJRcloA3
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) February 24, 2024
“Günther found a 20 million sponsor but told Gene Haas he wanted shares in the team to stay and continue the relationship. Haas however did not accept, and so Steiner himself left the team.” Unsurprisingly, the majority of the F1 community is rather displeased with Haas’ decision, considering Steiner was an essential part of the racing outfit.
Furthermore, some fans were surprised that Gene Haas prioritized money over success in Formula 1, leading to yet another round of debate. Now, let’s hear from you – was Gene Haas’ decision right, or has he dug his own grave by ditching one of the most famous team principals on the entire grid?