Guenther Steiner has indicated that he is prepared to take a break from Formula 1 after his departure from Haas.
It was announced earlier this week that Steiner would depart as Team Principal of Haas after a poor 2023 season where the team finished last in the Constructors' Championship, and will be replaced by Engineering Director Ayao Komatsu.
Steiner had been instrumental in Haas establishing itself on the grid, having convinced owner Gene Haas to set the team up, with Romain Grosjean finishing sixth on the squad's debut at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix.
Haas enjoyed early success, including a fifth-place finish in the Constructors' in 2018, but has slipped towards the rear of the field over recent seasons, with owner Haas electing to replace Steiner after eight seasons at the helm.
Reflecting on what he would do next after leaving the team, Steiner - who lives in the United States - is prepared to spend time with his family.
Steiner's future plans
"At the moment, I just want to chill out a little bit," Steiner explained to media including RacingNews365 at ASI24, whilst confirming that he received the news of his departure from Haas between Christmas and New Year in his first public comments since the announcement on Wednesday 10th January.
"It was 10 tough years, and I've got plenty of stuff to do - there is plenty to clean up at home.
"It is also good to stay with the family, my daughter is 14 years old, and so she is quite demanding.
"Trying to manage that seems to be more difficult than running an F1 team at the moment, so I'll be doing this for a few months."
Steiner reveals details of Haas departure
He also confirmed that he was unable to say goodbye to staff, having effectively been ousted from the team through a phone call by Haas.
"It was a phone call, he [Gene] called me and said that he does not want to extend the contract which was up at the end of the season and that was it."
When asked if it came as a surprise, Steiner said: "I don't know if it was a surprise, it's always a surprise but then in the end he owns the team, he can do what he wants and it's his decision."
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Bohunkgearhead
His business in Mooresville, N.C. is doing well and is in the process of expanding their factory. Fibreworks Composites reportedly does over $14 million per year in business. Gunther is reportedly worth over $4 million. Considering how many years he ran Haas F1, that is nothing! Gene Haas is a cheapskate.
hans-grimbergen#72598
It is all about the construction dollars. Gene Haas simply compares income with outgoings and if that is negative.... well... look at what happened at Ferrari. I think GH could have chosen a better date to decide and given GS the boot, for example at the start of the last race.
Peter Buckley
Haas is right, it’s a business not a sport combining professional teams with hobby racers any more. The last time that happened was in the 1970’s. And frankly it’s Steiner’s mistake not to think this might happen after years of poor results and negotiate a new contract before the current expired. Netflix does not rule (or sponsor Haas.)
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