Guenther Steiner, the former Team Principal of Haas F1, is known for his dynamic personality and candid insights. In this engaging discussion, he shares the pressures of managing an F1 team, from financial strategies to the complexity of leadership transitions. Steiner reflects on life after leaving Haas, highlighting newfound independence and unexpected opportunities. He also delves into the transformative impact of 'Drive to Survive' on the sport and the evolving dynamics of talent and finances in F1, making it a must-listen for fans.
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insights INSIGHT
Investment Drives Competitive Potential
Success in F1 requires substantial investment to reach the chance of winning and attracting sponsorship.
Paying top drivers is an investment that can return more money and exposure if performance follows.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Freedom Brought New Demands
Guenther left Haas expecting to take it easier but quickly filled his time with media, events and a book tour.
He travelled constantly and realised freedom meant choice, not inactivity.
insights INSIGHT
Vision Versus Ownership
A team principal's vision can clash with an owner's priorities and block progress.
Ownership has final say, so alignment on long-term investment is essential for growth.
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This week, we’re delighted to welcome the legendary Guenther Steiner to the show. One of the most iconic Team Principal’s to grace the paddock, the personality and energy he brings to the room is not just a show put on for the Drive to Survive cameras. What you have seen on TV is a true account of the man, taking the mickey out of us from the off while delivering such a compelling view on life as a Team Principal and the wider world of F1.
Having left Haas at the end of 2023, he seemed relaxed and free from the pressures of day to day management in one of sport’s most high pressure environments. The toll it takes when under such scrutiny without respite is one of the most fascinating aspects of executive management in F1. Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull last week tees up the conversation focusing on what happens when a leader departs, but also how well prepared organisations are to deal with unexpected circumstances.
Guenther’s profile has become a poster for modern F1; someone who the fans didn’t have exposure to thrust into the limelight as a result of a turbo charged media and brand strategy. But he is more than the big smile and humour. This is someone who founded a team from scratch, operated it under extremely difficult circumstances, and gave life to the sport where it was most needed. He does not disappoint.
On today’s show we discuss:
Running an F1 Team
What goes into running an F1 team and why it’s more business than racing
The chaos and logistics of travelling with the F1 circus
The inside story of how Haas F1 was built from scratch
Why the cost cap has improved competition and how it changed the sport as a whole
What no one tells you about a team principal leaving: power shifts, media spin, and personal fallout
Why Guenther believes being a good team boss is more about managing people than cars
The Mediafication of F1
How Drive to Survive changed the sport and how it changed Guenther’s life
The shock of becoming globally famous just for doing your job
Guenther’s take on the Brad Pitt F1 movie and what Hollywood will never get right about racing
Why modern drivers need to master more than just the car; media, messaging, and memes included
The hidden costs and benefits of turning Formula 1 into entertainment
Why it’s not just Netflix who created a new generation of fans
Drivers
Why you need two number 1 drivers to compete at the top
Who has more power today: the drivers or the teams?
How to manage modern drivers; especially their egos, entourages, and online presence
The difference between a quick driver and a team player
Who would be Guenther’s dream driver lineup (for the memes)
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Business of Sport 
