Guenther Steiner: How I built Haas and why the FIA are wrong to punish swearing
Oct 9, 2024
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Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal and author of "Unfiltered," shares his journey of building the Haas F1 team from the ground up. He discusses the importance of collaboration and strategic recruitment in racing. Steiner also weighs in on the FIA's controversial punishment for Max Verstappen's swearing, arguing it's an overreach. Fans will enjoy his quick-fire answers about potential team picks and future aspirations, revealing his candid nature and insights into the dynamic world of Formula 1.
Günther Steiner emphasizes the importance of perseverance and supportive figures in establishing Haas, showcasing the challenges faced in Formula One.
Steiner shares insights on leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its impact on operations and the resilience of the F1 community.
Deep dives
Günther Steiner's Post-Haas Transition
After leaving Haas at the end of 2023, Günther Steiner has found himself busier than expected, despite hoping to have more downtime. He has been approached for various opportunities, including TV work, which indicate his continued relevance in the F1 community. Steiner's transition has led him to write a book titled 'Unfiltered', reflecting on his decade in Formula One and the intense experiences that defined his career. He remains uncertain about his next steps but acknowledges the excitement his busy schedule brings, enjoying the attention and interactions with fans and colleagues.
Reflections on Haas and Team Dynamics
Upon reflection of his time with Haas, Steiner expresses a sense of normalcy in his departure, feeling removed from the team's operations. He notes that while he knows many people still associated with Haas, he no longer feels the pressure of team leadership. Steiner appreciates the team’s capability to operate independently after his departure and feels proud of the work he accomplished in establishing the team. He shares a sense of relief at being able to be candid about his challenges at Haas, particularly regarding the lack of investment as he highlights the difficulties faced during his tenure.
The Challenges of Establishing a New Team
Steiner recounts the foundational years of Haas, shedding light on the challenges he faced while establishing the team in Formula One. He recognized the potential of the U.S. market for investors and crafted a business plan that caught the attention of Gene Haas, ultimately leading to the team's formation. He emphasizes the importance of having supportive figures in the F1 community, such as Charlie Whiting and Niki Lauda, who believed in his vision and supported him through obstacles. Steiner’s story reflects the perseverance necessary for success, especially in an industry rife with competition and uncertainty.
Navigating COVID-19 and Its Impact
The onset of COVID-19 significantly influenced Steiner’s perspective on his leadership role, introducing unprecedented challenges in the operations of Haas and the entire F1 community. He describes how the uncertainty of the pandemic created a daunting atmosphere, where business decisions became particularly stressful, emphasizing the welfare of the team's members. Despite the difficulties, Steiner commends Formula One's swift adaptability, as the sport was one of the first to resume racing after lockdowns. He believes that the positive leadership displayed during this time exemplified the resilience of both the sport and the community associated with it.
Matt Baker is joined by former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner who discusses how he built Haas from scratch and what he’s been up to since his exit. He also gives his opinion on Max Verstappen being given community service for swearing in a press conference. Also, he answers fan quick-fire questions, including who he would have picked for Haas if he was still team principal.
Thank you to our sponsor Dropbox. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Dropbox fuels the McLaren F1 team’s speed and performance by visiting dropbox.com/mclaren-f1
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