Haas dropped Guenther Steiner following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Guenther Steiner has no inside information about Haas’ decision to quit NASCAR, nor does he feel F1 needs an American team as that’s just a “publicity stunt”.
The Haas Formula 1 team faced inquiries following Gene Haas’ recent announcement of his withdrawal from America’s NASCAR series.
Guenther Steiner: Did you not read the news?
In collaboration with NASCAR icon Tony Stewart, the Stewart-Haas racing team has recently declared their decision to cease operations after the conclusion of the 2024 season.
“The level of dedication required to achieve optimal performance while ensuring sustainability is highly challenging, and we have now come to a juncture in our individual and professional lives where it is appropriate to hand over the responsibility.”
Haas were quick to deny that the NASCAR decision would have an impact on the Formula 1 operations, a team spokesperson clarifying: “Business as usual for Haas F1 Team – Gene [is] fully engaged and committed.”
However, is it possible that this could actually benefit Haas’ F1 team?
Former team boss Steiner, who was fired after a disappointing 2023 season with Haas finishing at the bottom of the standings, was asked that question.
“Did you not read the news? I’m not there any more,” he told The Red Flag podcast. “I don’t know.”
When asked to make a guess, his response was, “I’m not certain about Gene Haas’ intentions.”
“I believe the NASCAR team might have shut down due to a combination of factors such as boredom, financial considerations, and ultimately deciding to close it.”
“I can’t say for certain if that will result in increased funding for F1. I am completely unaware of any such developments.”
When questioned about whether he had ever requested his former Haas boss to prioritize Formula 1 over NASCAR, he responded by saying, “No, because I don’t have any negative feelings towards NASCAR.”
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Guenther Steiner on the ‘publicity stunt’ of an ‘American team’
In 2016, Haas became a part of the Formula 1 grid, competing with an American license.
However, with a lackluster performance in recent years, there is a potential upcoming American team in Andretti-Cadillac.
Despite Haas’ statement quashing speculation that Andretti could purchase the Ferrari-powered team and join the grid, there is still a possibility that Andretti could become the 11th team.
When questioned about the rumors of them being labeled as the “big American team,” Steiner dismissed the idea that any team should be considered national.
He stated that having an American team is just a publicity stunt, considering Haas is an American team holding an American license.
“F1 is an incredibly international sport, with Ferrari being the sole national team, while all others…”
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“In contrast to other sports, nationality doesn’t hold as much significance in this truly global sport.”
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