Guenther Steiner was one of the most popular team principals in Formula 1. He was known for his hilarious and unfiltered comments to the media. His popularity sky-rocketed when the Netflix series, Drive to Survive hit the streaming service.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Steiner will leave his role on the team. This came as a shock to the F1 world. He is being replaced by Ayao Komatsu who was the Trackside Engineering Director of the team. Although Gene Haas has given a statement trying to explain his decision, he continues to be under fire from the public. The latest reports state that Steiner was not allowed to say goodbye to the team.
Guenther Steiner was denied to say farewell to the team
According to certain sources inside the Haas factory, Guenther was not allowed to address the team before departing from his role. This seems unfair given that Steiner has led the team for years. The least Gene Haas could have done was to allow him to say goodbye to the people he has worked with for years.
The news of Steiner’s departure is also bad news for Drive to Survive producers. The former Haas team principal was undoubtedly the biggest start of the Drive to Survive series. his absence will affect the ratings of the show a bit. Although his career as the team principal for Haas is over, he could still have some other opportunities.
🚨 | According to sources inside the Haas factory, Guenther Steiner was not allowed to say goodbye to the team.
Many people are disappointed.#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/lKsYkmb5qR
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 11, 2024
Since the Drive to Survive series put Guenther on the map, he could have a future in Reality TV. There was a rumor a few weeks back about a CBS show featuring Guenther Steiner. This could come to fruition following his exit from Haas.
The timing of Steiner’s departure from the team provides a good opportunity for Audi. The German Manufacturer will be entering the sport in 2026. Hence, they will be looking for an experienced team principal to lead the team. Guenther Steiner now seems like the perfect candidate for this role. He would finally get the opportunity to work with a team with a good budget. However, there are rumors that Audi is considering Binotto as well.
How many years did Guenther Steiner lead Haas from the front?
Guenther Steiner joined Haas in 2014 as their team principal. He has been leading the team into battle almost every weekend since. Steiner was the one to convince Gene Haas to enter F1. Considering this fact, it is hard to believe that he was asked to leave without the opportunity to say goodbye.
🚨 | Guenther Steiner found out about the team principal change towards the end of December.
It was a surprise to him that he wouldn’t get his contract renewed.#F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/5iaetoRCYf
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) January 11, 2024
A few months back, there was a rumor stating that Guenther filed a $900 million lawsuit against Gene Haas. According to the rumor, Gene promised a 50% share of the team back in 2016 but decided to go back on his word. Hence, this triggered Steiner to file the lawsuit. However, these rumors have been denied by Guenther.
It will be interesting to see what Steiner does in the future. Will he come back to motorsport in some capacity, will he switch over to entertainment to give reality TV some content, or will he look to retire and spend some time with his family? What do you think he should do for his future? Post your answers in the comments section below.