Formula 1 comeback possible? Here’s what former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has to say

He played a crucial role in the formation of the Haas team and its entry into Formula 1: Günther Steiner was on board from the very beginning, and no sooner had the US team made its debut in the top flight than he became hugely popular with Grand Prix fans. Steiner never minced his words, and his quips quickly achieved cult status amongst the sport’s followers.

The disappointment was correspondingly great when team owner Haas chose not to renew the South Tyrolean’s contract after the 2023 season. Although Steiner was no longer the face of the US team, he was – and still is – a regular sight in the paddock. As a TV pundit for RTL, he follows the action in the paddock closely. And in his many podcast appearances, he comments on events in his usual style – with a sharp tongue and a twinkle in his eye.

A new challenge in MotoGP

The 61-year-old took his time before turning his attention to his next motorsport project. And he found the challenge he was looking for with the Tech3 MotoGP team, which has been taken over by a consortium under his leadership. As CEO of the racing team, he has also taken on a role that keeps him busy but does not require his presence at every World Championship round.

Steiner answered the question of whether a Formula 1 comeback is now out of the question himself on the ‘Up to Speed’ podcast. ‘Yes, I’ll come back if there’s a project I like. I always say that I won’t come back just to do any old job.’

The title doesn’t matter; the focus is on having fun

“There are so many things I’d like to do. And over the last 10, 15 years – perhaps even 20 years – I’ve always been involved in various projects. I didn’t want to just do a job, because for me that simply wouldn’t be exciting enough. It has to be something that really challenges me,” explained the former Haas team principal, who has been involved in Formula 1 on and off since 2001.

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An exciting project is something you can shape yourself, Steiner went on to clarify. “It’s not just about jumping in, because I don’t focus on a job title. I couldn’t care less about the title. I’d much rather do something I enjoy. After leaving Haas, I went into television. I didn’t even know that industry existed. But I got an offer and thought I’d just give it a go.”