SUMMARY
- Helmut Marko sides with former Red Bull employee Guenther Steiner in the latest Haas F1 drama
- Marko frames Steiner as a victim and hints at jealously in Gene Haas
Haas had everything going wrong for them for the past few seasons and the only good thing they had was the influence and popularity of Guenther Steiner that helped them secure a place in the sport. But as the 2024 season came closer, the shocking news of his departure from the team shook everyone.
The conversations leading up to the team principal’s leave and how everything came about have become a trending topic. Nonetheless, as everyone tries to understand the reason behind Gene Haas suddenly firing Steiner, Helmut Marko has connected a few dots for himself and come up with a theory behind the Italian principal’s exit.
Red Bull has seen a similar situation hit them last season when Marko’s role in the team and his racist comments towards Sergio Perez left him hanging on a thread. However, it seems that the team boss has held onto his position to note a few things about another team principal’s departure from the sport.
Helmut Marko gives his verdict on the Steiner fiasco
Guenther Steiner made his name in the sporting scene when he joined Formula 1 to work for the Jaguar Racing team and soon stuck around to be a part of the Haas team. Nonetheless, it all came to an end this week when the Italian was asked to wrap up all his business and was replaced with Ayao Komatsu.
However, Steiner also gained huge popularity in the sport thanks to his book Drive to Survive and his wits that made the headlines at all times. Whether it was his classic one-liners or his passion to bring Haas ahead in the championships.
🚨 | Helmut Marko on Guenther Steiner’s exit:
“All I heard was that he wanted to convert his popularity into shares in the team.
“Owner Gene Haas didn’t like that anymore…
“Steiner became a victim of his popularity.”
— formularacers (@formularacers_) January 14, 2024
Nonetheless, his biggest achievement seems to have become his downfall according to Helmut Marko. After his sudden leave, Marko talked about Steiner’s biggest enemy that caused him to leave Haas. He said, “All I heard was that he wanted to convert his popularity into shares in the team. Owner Gene Haas didn’t like that anymore. Steiner became a victim of his popularity.”
While Steiner wished to bring more to the table and hold onto a contract renewal, Haas was not completely happy with the latest performance. Therefore, in no time, Gene Haas decided to see the Italian out with no goodbyes and soon called in another big name, Ayao Komatsu.
Guenther Steiner accepts his harsh fate
While many were sad to see the “funniest” team boss leave the paddock for good, Steiner was feeling similar feelings for his team and having to break apart from them. Gene Haas gave a simple explanation for his departure but for the Italian, it seemed to have been more than just a team. Nonetheless, he seems to be leading with acceptance.
“In the end, he [Gene] owns the team, he can do what he wants and it’s his decision”
Guenther Steiner addresses his shock departure from Haas F1 team 👇#F1 https://t.co/N0kWkpTMT7
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 15, 2024
He said, “In the end, he [Gene] owns the team, he can do what he wants and it’s his decision” Although the news broke him, it looks like he wishes to continue ahead without holding any grudges.