Last Updated on February 23 2024, 2:05 pm

In a turn of events that stunned the Formula One world, the Haas F1 Team announced that Guenther Steiner, its long-serving team principal, would be sacked at the start of 2024. The news, which broke in January, marked a significant change for the American outfit and ended a chapter that saw Haas emerge as a plucky contender in the world of Formula One.

Steiner’s departure not only marks a pivotal change for Haas, but also sparks speculation about his future, with suggestions that his next chapter could unfold in the media landscape, capitalising on his popularity from the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’.

 

The Steiner Era: A Look Back

Since its debut in 2016, Haas F1 has made a name for itself under Steiner’s leadership, embodying the underdog spirit in a sport dominated by legacy teams. Known for his outspoken and often straightforward demeanour, Steiner was instrumental in steering the team through its early stages, securing impressive results and earning the respect of peers and fans alike.

The team’s zenith came in 2018, when it finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, a feat that highlighted Steiner’s effective leadership and strategic acumen.

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Challenges and controversies

The road has not always been smooth, however. After its heyday, Haas faced numerous hurdles, from performance setbacks to financial strains and controversies that saw the team’s fortunes dwindle.

The 2023 season proved particularly challenging, with Haas finishing at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, a result that played a crucial role in the decision to part ways with Steiner. Despite these struggles, Steiner’s profile rose significantly, thanks in part to his prominent role in Drive to Survive, where his personality shone through and he became a popular figure with the global F1 audience.

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The unexpected announcement

The announcement of Steiner’s departure came as a shock to many. His eight-year tenure at Haas was filled with memorable moments and remarkable achievements. The decision, communicated to Steiner in a phone call from team owner Gene Haas between Christmas and New Year, was a stark reminder of the often unpredictable nature of Formula One management.

Steiner’s pragmatic response to the news, acknowledging the realities of the sport and the prerogatives of team ownership, reflected his seasoned perspective on the industry.

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What’s next for Guenther Steiner?

In the wake of his departure, Steiner has expressed a desire to step back from the relentless pace of Formula One and focus on personal time and his family. The decision comes after a particularly gruelling season and is a well-deserved break for one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.

However, Steiner’s next move remains a topic of interest, with many speculating that his successful stint on Drive to Survive could open doors in the media world. His ability to engage audiences and communicate the complexities of Formula One in an accessible manner positions him well for a potential move into a media-focused role.

“At the moment I just want to relax a bit,” he said in January at the Autosport Show in the UK,

“It was 10 tough years, and I’ve got plenty of stuff to do, there is plenty to clean up at home.

“It is also good to stay with the family, my daughter is 14 years old, and so she is quite demanding.

“Trying to manage that seems to be more difficult than running an F1 team at the moment, so I’ll be doing this for a few months.” said Steiner.

 

 

 

New job for 2024: Steiner joins RTL as Formula 1 TV expert

It wasn’t long for Steiner to ‘relax a bit’. Germany’s RTL TV channel has announced the recruitment of former Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner as a TV expert. The development marks a new chapter for Steiner, who transitioned from his role at Haas in January and brings a wealth of insider knowledge and expertise to the network’s Formula 1 coverage.

Guenther Steiner, who spent a decade at the helm of the Haas F1 Team, will join RTL’s Formula One broadcast team for seven race weekends next season. Making his debut alongside presenter Florian König, Steiner will offer his insights from the season opener in Bahrain on 1 and 2 March.

His addition to the team will provide viewers with unparalleled analysis, drawing on his extensive experience and honest approach to dissecting the sport says RTL.

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Expert insight straight from the paddock

Inga Leschek, Programme Manager for RTL and RTL+, was enthusiastic about Steiner’s appointment, highlighting his direct experience of the paddock and his popularity among Formula One fans, thanks in part to his appearance in the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’.

Steiner’s role is expected to enrich RTL’s live coverage with up-to-date insights and straightforward commentary, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamic world of Formula 1 racing. For UK F1 fans of long memories, it could perhaps be like the brutal honesty of former F1 champion James Hunt for the BBC commentary of the 80’s and 90’s.

Guenther Steiner shared his eagerness to delve into the intricacies of Formula 1 competition, from driver performance to team strategy. Known for his outspokenness, Steiner promised fans that he would continue to offer clear and direct opinions, contributing to a deeper understanding of the sport’s complexities.

 

 

Steiner’s Formula 1 legacy

Prior to joining RTL, Steiner held prominent positions within the sport, including key roles with the Red Bull and Jaguar F1 teams. His tenure at Haas was marked by notable decisions, including the introduction of Mick Schumacher to F1 for the 2021 season. Steiner’s influence extends beyond the track, having become one of the recognisable faces of “Drive to Survive” and authored a best-selling book about his F1 experiences.

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Expanding Formula 1 coverage

RTL’s acquisition of Steiner comes alongside a partnership with Sky Deutschland, securing exclusive free-to-air rights to seven F1 races and twelve live qualifying and sprint sessions for the 2024 season. In addition, RTL+ will offer live streams of qualifying or sprint sessions on other race weekends, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans.

As the season approaches, RTL affiliates NITRO and ntv will broadcast the documentary “SCHUMACHER”, celebrating the career of racing legend Michael Schumacher, further enhancing the network’s Formula 1 offering.

With Guenther Steiner’s expertise and the expanded coverage options, RTL is set to deliver an enhanced Formula 1 viewing experience. Fans can look forward to in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes insights and Steiner’s distinctive commentary style, promising an exciting season of racing action.

 

 

Reflecting on a legacy

As the Formula One community reflects on Steiner’s impact, his legacy is clear. He transformed Haas from a newcomer to a competitive force, meeting the challenges of the sport with resilience and a unique flair that endeared him to fans around the world.

While his departure from Haas marks the end of an era, it also opens a new chapter for Steiner and the team. As Haas navigates its future under new leadership, the F1 world eagerly awaits Steiner’s new career in media. The popular Italian won’t be far from our screens for long it seems.

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