Last Updated on February 28 2024, 3:45 pm

Guenther Steiner, the former Haas Team Principal turned RTL Formula One Expert, has not held back in expressing his dissatisfaction with the way his departure from Haas was handled, as well as his scepticism about the team’s direction and leadership choices for the 2024 season.

His candid reflections are a mix of criticism, insight and humour about his past and the future of his former team. Steiner’s tenure at Haas ended with a bang earlier this year, marking a significant change for the team and sparking debate about management practices in Formula One.

 

In a revealing interview with sport.de and RTL/ntv, Steiner aired his grievances, focusing in particular on the manner of his dismissal.

“The way it was done wasn’t right,” he said, highlighting a discrepancy between his values and the approach of Haas owner Gene Haas. The decision to inform him of his dismissal over the phone was not the right way to end their professional relationship, Steiner said.

“I have no problem with the decision,” emphasised Steiner,

but he said laughing: “I don’t think I’ll go to dinner with him – even if he pays.”

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Vision and direction

Despite his abrupt departure, Steiner remains philosophical about the future of Haas and his own beliefs about how a Formula One team should navigate the challenges posed by budget caps and competitive dynamics. Emphasising the need to forge a unique path rather than emulate the strategies of other teams, he suggests that time will tell whether his vision or Gene Haas’ direction will bear fruit.

“You have to go in a different direction that everyone else is going in,” said Steiner,

“You don’t have to imitate the others, but you have to respect what other teams are doing. to play along with it. If the whole industry is going in this direction, you have to make sure that you go along with it in order to fight for it.”

 “The results will speak for themselves: Maybe I’m right, maybe Mr. Haas.”

 

 

 

Transition to broadcasting

In his new role as an RTL pundit, Steiner is looking forward to reuniting with the Haas team in the paddock, albeit in a different capacity. His relationship with the team members remains positive, underlining a mutual respect and camaraderie that transcends his departure.

Steiner’s forward-looking attitude and willingness to engage with the Formula One community in his new role reflect his continued passion for the sport.

“I like the boys and they like me – at least most of them. I actually don’t have a problem with it. For me it was better. If you don’t get to the mountain you want to because you don’t have the support, it’s better ” said Steiner,

“Don’t go up, otherwise you’ll hurt yourself,” said Steiner.

He is “happy” with the decision and that is why he is open to people.

“We’ll have a good laugh about it.”

Steiner gets a new job

 

 

 

Concerns over Haas’ leadership choice

While Steiner respects his successor, Ayao Komatsu, he has reservations about Komatsu’s transition from chief engineer to team principal. Recognising the unique challenges of team leadership, Steiner subtly questions the decision-making process behind Komatsu’s appointment, suggesting that the role may not play to Komatsu’s strengths.

“I had him as chief engineer for eight years. If I said he wasn’t good, I would be saying that I was a bit stupid myself,” said the 58-year-old.

The job of a team leader is a “completely different role,” a “completely different job than a chief engineer,” emphasised Steiner.

“Mr. Haas believes it’s a wise decision, let’s let him make his decision and see where it leads. I disagree that it’s not Ayao Komatsu’s strength to be team boss.”

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Future of Haas F1?

Looking ahead to next season, Steiner predicts another challenging year for Haas. Early testing in Bahrain failed to inspire confidence, with the performance of the new car leaving much to be desired. Steiner points to ongoing problems with tyre wear and a lack of significant investment as obstacles that Haas will have to overcome.

“It didn’t look very good, I have to say,” said Steiner talking about the new 2024 Haas F1 car,

“They did a lot of long runs, racing distances, to test the tyre degradation,”

“It’s going to be another difficult year. You can’t make up for a lack of investment in two months,” predicts Steiner

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Hulk to succeed?

Despite the expected difficulties, Steiner notes the high motivation of Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg, praising his dedication and work ethic during the off-season. The success of Haas in the 2024 season, according to Steiner, will largely depend on the performance of the car and the team’s ability to address its remaining issues.

Nico Hülkenberg seems “very motivated,” says Steiner.

“He’s trying hard, says he worked a lot in the winter. There won’t be a lack of Nico’s motivation or talent. You have to see how good the car is.”

As Guenther Steiner embarks on his journey as an F1 analyst, his insights and observations will undoubtedly enrich viewers’ understanding of the sport. Meanwhile, his outspoken criticism of Haas’ handling of his departure and the team’s future direction adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding F1 story.

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