Guenther Steiner’s Bold Departure from Red Bull Racing: A Life-Altering Move!
In a stunning revelation, Guenther Steiner has declared that his exit from the Red Bull Formula 1 team was not just a career shift, but the “best thing that has happened” in his life. This pivotal moment catapulted him into the American motorsport scene, where he seized the opportunity to establish Red Bull’s foray into NASCAR—a fearless leap that would redefine his professional journey.
Steiner’s departure from Red Bull came after the team’s acquisition of the Jaguar racing team in 2005, where he served as the technical operations director. However, with the arrival of F1 design legend Adrian Newey just a year later, Steiner found himself in a crowded environment and made the bold decision to pivot to the United States. The move proved fortuitous as he transitioned into the role of Team Red Bull technical director in NASCAR until 2008.
Reflecting on this monumental shift, Steiner expressed that leaving Red Bull “worked out perfectly” for him. He recounted, “It became crowded, and for me, now looking back, that was my lucky moment when I left, because it opened the door to the States.” His childhood dream of living in America became a reality as he navigated the complexities of obtaining a work visa. “Once I was here, now you cannot get rid of me anymore!” he exclaimed, highlighting his newfound freedom and ambition.
Steiner launched a composite company that flourished under his leadership, growing to employ 300 people and establishing a successful foothold in the industry. But his most audacious move came when he partnered with American businessman Gene Haas to create the Haas F1 team. Reflecting on the challenges he faced in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, Steiner acknowledged that had he attempted to establish a team in Europe, he would have struggled to find investors.
In a candid admission, he stated, “If I would have done the same in Europe, I wouldn’t have succeeded because I wouldn’t have found an investor.” He emphasized the cultural divide that could have hindered his efforts, noting, “I needed to learn the American culture, to find somebody to speak the same language.”
The birth of the Haas F1 team in 2016 was not without its hurdles. Steiner faced scepticism from Formula 1’s then-commercial boss, Bernie Ecclestone, who was wary of new teams entering the sport. “The most difficult part was to get Bernie Ecclestone on board, to believe in it,” Steiner recalled, emphasizing the uphill battle he faced to gain credibility.
With the support of influential figures like Niki Lauda, Stefano Domenicali, and Jean Todt, Steiner was able to turn the tide and secure the necessary backing. “It was the moment when Niki said, ‘If Guenther does it, we’ll be alright,’” he shared, reflecting on the critical moment that changed everything.
Despite his successes, Steiner’s tenure at Haas came to an end in 2023 when his contract was not renewed, and Ayao Komatsu took over as team principal. However, he looks back on his time in charge with a mix of pride and regret. As Formula 1’s popularity skyrocketed and team valuations soared to billions, Steiner acknowledged, “If I would have known that the teams would be worth, within five years, billions of dollars, obviously you would make yourself more valuable.”
Guenther Steiner’s journey from Red Bull Racing to the helm of Haas F1 is not just a tale of career evolution; it is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As he steps into a new chapter of his life, one thing is clear: his departure from Red Bull was not merely a goodbye, but a bold leap into a future filled with endless possibilities.








