Guenther Steiner Discusses the Breakdown of His Relationship with Gene Haas

Former Haas Formula 1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner has provided new insights into his professional rift with team owner Gene Haas, confirming that the two currently maintain no contact following his departure from the squad.

Steiner’s tenure with the American F1 team concluded at the end of the 2023 season after his contract was not extended. He has since been succeeded by Ayao Komatsu.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, the Italian-American detailed how the bond between him and the team began to fade.

“Initially, we were aligned on most fronts. I believe the decline began after 2020, following the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the team’s struggle to recover,” Steiner remarked.

“Communication simply dwindled. While we frequently had disagreements, we always managed to resolve them, much like any long-term relationship. Eventually, however, the dialogue just stopped.”

Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team, Gene Haas, Owner and Founder, Haas F1 Team, Guenther Steiner, Team Principal, Haas F1 Team and Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Addressing his connections with other figures within the F1 paddock, Steiner noted, “I maintain very good relationships with most people, though not with Gene Haas.”

“It isn’t a matter of animosity; we simply no longer have a relationship, and I am comfortable with that. We have settled our affairs and moved forward. I am content moving on without him, and he is content without me.”

Despite the sudden conclusion of his time at Haas, Steiner acknowledged the owner’s prerogative to change the team’s strategic direction.

“Ultimately, you must respect the owner. He provides the funding, and as the saying goes, ‘who pays, decides.’ You have to accept that reality, though I still retain the agency to make decisions regarding my own career,” he concluded.

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