Guenther Steiner’s Departure from Haas: Unveiling the Hidden Reason Behind the F1 Rumor

Guenther Steiner’s departure from Haas in late 2023 shocked the F1 community, with Dutch reporter Jack Plooij revealing that it stemmed from a shares dispute with team owner Gene Haas, despite Steiner securing a substantial sponsorship deal.

Key Takeaways:

• Steiner’s departure from Haas followed a request for shares in the team, which was denied by owner Gene Haas, despite Steiner’s efforts in securing a $20 million sponsorship.
• Ayao Komatsu succeeded Steiner, with Haas expressing dissatisfaction over the team’s performance in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship.
• Despite conflicting accounts of the departure, Steiner has embraced new roles within the F1 community, including punditry for German broadcaster RTL and contributing to Network 10’s Australian Grand Prix coverage.

Guenther Steiner’s tenure with the Haas Formula 1 team came to an unexpected end in late 2023, leaving many questioning the circumstances behind his departure. Dutch F1 reporter Jack Plooij shed light on the situation, revealing that Steiner’s exit was driven by a desire for ownership stake in the team, a request denied by Haas despite Steiner’s significant contributions.

According to Plooij, Steiner’s departure came as a surprise, especially considering his efforts in securing a substantial sponsorship deal worth $20 million for the team. However, when Steiner approached team owner Gene Haas with the request for shares in the team, Haas declined, leading to Steiner’s decision to leave.

The timing of Steiner’s departure, just before the start of the 2024 season, raised eyebrows within the F1 community. Ayao Komatsu was swiftly appointed as his successor, indicating Haas’ determination to address performance issues that saw the team finish at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship in 2023.

Despite the differing accounts of Steiner’s departure, with Haas attributing it to performance concerns, Steiner wasted no time in finding new opportunities within the F1 landscape. He has taken on roles as a pundit for German broadcaster RTL, providing insights and analysis during Formula 1 Grands Prix, in addition to contributing to Network 10’s coverage of the Australian Grand Prix.

The revelation of Steiner’s departure reason adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics within the Haas F1 team and raises questions about the management’s handling of internal matters. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Haas and their performance under new leadership, while Steiner begins a new chapter in his F1 journey, embracing opportunities beyond the racetrack.