Guenther Steiner does not rule out a return to Formula 1, provided he can work on a project where he can actually build something. The former Haas team principal, who became a regular analyst and commentator after his departure in early 2024, says he is mainly looking for a new challenge and not just any role within Formula 1. Two years after leaving Haas, Steiner remains very popular in the paddock.
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Steiner became a fan favorite during his years at Haas thanks to the Netflix series Drive to Survive. Since leaving the American team, the 61-year-old has been active as a television commentator and regular guest on The Red Flags Podcast. In addition, he holds a stake in the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team in MotoGP. However, Steiner does not rule out a return to Formula 1. In the long term, he could accept a new role within the premier class, provided the offer meets some strict requirements.
“I would come back if there is a project that appeals to me,” Steiner responded on the Up To Speed podcast featuring, among others, David Coulthard. “There are so many things I like to do, but if you look at what I have been involved with over the past ten, twenty years, they have always been projects. I never looked for a permanent job, because a regular job is not boring in itself, but I just miss a bit of excitement there. I really need to be challenged.”
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For Steiner, an attractive project is mainly about the opportunity to influence its development himself. A job title or prominent position is of secondary importance. “A project means something you can shape yourself. I don’t care about just a job title, that really doesn’t matter to me. For me, it’s important to do something I enjoy.” So Steiner might be more likely to say ‘yes’ to a new, emerging F1 team like Cadillac or Audi.
Since leaving Haas, Steiner has also thrown himself into television. He was frequently part of the German F1 coverage. “When I got an offer, I said I wanted to try it because I wanted to become as good as David (Coulthard, ed.),” he joked. “I haven’t succeeded yet,” Steiner winked at the former Red Bull driver, who does TV work for Viaplay, F1 TV, and Channel 4. “I think it’s easier to start an F1 team than to become as good a commentator as David,” he added.
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