Former Formula 1 Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner revealed he is open to returning to F1 “if there is a project I like”.
Guenther Steiner has admitted he would be willing to return to Formula 1 if the right project came along.
The Former Haas Team Principal was crucial to the F1 team’s developmen, serving as the Team Principal for the American outfit from its 2016 debut until 2023.
His departure followed reported disagreements with Haas owner Gene Haas after the American team finished last in the Constructors’ Championship. Before his time in F1 came to an end, Steiner was a prominent figure in the paddock.
When asked on the Up to Speed podcast whether he would return to F1, Steiner said: “Yeah. I will come back if there is a project I like. I mean, I always say, just to go back and do a job: no.
“There are so many things I like to do. And if you look at me, the last 10, 15, years it was always – or even 20 years – it was always projects. It was not going for a job. Because just doing a job, it’s actually- I wouldn’t say boring to me, but there is not enough excitement. “
Looking for a challenge
Steiner has extensive experience across a range of motorsport categories. From rally to Formula 1, the 61-year-old has spent most of his life in paddocks and team garages, and is currently the owner of the Tech3 MotoGP team, marking his first experience in the series.
Despite his new adventure, the former Team Principal could see a return to F, but reiterated that it had to be something that would excite him. While it could be difficult to find something new to challenge him, given his long history in motorsport, he is willing to look for it.
“It needs to be something which really challenges me,” Steiner said.
“A project means something you can shape yourself what to do. Not just going in, because I don’t live by a job title. I couldn’t care less about the job title.
“You know, for me, it’s like doing something I like to do. It’s like when I left Haas, I went into TV. I didn’t know that that industry even existed. But then I got an offer, and I said, ‘I’ll try it.’ Because I wanted to be as good as David [Coulthard], I didn’t achieve it yet! So, long way to go, you know? It’s impossible!
“When I started an F1 team, they told me, ‘You will never make that. Nobody can do that, to start a new F1 team.’ ‘Okay, I will show you!’ So, I think it was easier to start an F1 team than to get as good as David on TV.”
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