Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal and now ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix, recently shared his candid perspectives on a range of topics, from Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 to the controversial swearing clampdown by the FIA. Known for his forthright style, Steiner gained a significant following after being featured on Netflix’s Drive To Survive, leading him to embark on a national tour of 37 UK venues in under three months.
Steiner, who was replaced at Haas by Ayao Komatsu over a year ago, addressed the issue of Cadillac’s entry into the world of F1. While he had previously opposed the addition of an 11th team, he acknowledged the potential benefits a big manufacturer like Cadillac could bring. Steiner stated, “If the cake gets bigger…and that was always the aim of Formula One Management, to make sure the existing teams do not have negative [repercussions]. Something has changed because it’s become a Cadillac entry and normally a big manufacturer brings more to the sport than a private team.”
On the topic of driver choices, Steiner defended Haas’s policy of choosing experienced drivers over rookies. He suggested that coupling a new team with a rookie driver unfamiliar with the rigors of F1 could potentially harm both parties. Discussing the possibility of Cadillac featuring an American driver like Colton Herta, Steiner pointed out that during his tenure at Haas, there wasn’t much interest in F1 in the States, nor were there many American drivers with superlicences.
Steiner also dismissed concerns that Cadillac’s entry might jeopardize Haas’s unique position as F1’s only American team. In his view, the sport’s global nature diminishes the impact of a team’s nationality. He compared the situation with that of Red Bull and Mercedes, teams that aren’t necessarily identified by their nationality, stating that sponsors tend to focus more on their own global image rather than a team’s national identity.
Addressing the recent controversy surrounding the booing of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Christian Horner, Steiner saw it as more of an amusing spectacle than a serious issue. He referred to it as part of the pantomime of F1, downplaying any possible negative repercussions.
The former Haas chief also weighed in on the difficult decision F1 teams face in allocating resources for the ongoing 2025 development and impending 2026 work. Steiner predicted most teams would shift their focus to the 2026 car by May, unless they were in a close fight for the world championship.
Steiner didn’t shy away from commenting on the FIA’s recent swearing clampdown either. Known for his own colorful language on Drive To Survive, Steiner sided with the drivers, suggesting the FIA’s reaction was an overreaction. He argued that in the heat of the moment, drivers often react emotionally, and that should be understood rather than penalized.
Regarding the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, Steiner expressed confidence that the absence of American driver Logan Sargeant and popular driver Sergio Perez won’t significantly impact the race’s popularity. He stated that fans come to see Formula 1, not necessarily specific drivers.
Finally, on the subject of a potential return to F1, Steiner said he’s currently content with his role as an ambassador and will only consider a return if the right project or mission comes along. He stressed that it’s the people and relationships that matter to him, rather than just the job itself.