Status: 15.01.2024, 14:00 PM
By: Lena Hempler
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On January 10, the Haas F1 Team announced the separation of Günther Steiner. Now not only the former team boss himself, but also the drivers are speaking out
Banbury – Formula 1 will have to do without the casual sayings of Günther Steiner this and future seasons. The Haas F1 Team, which also hosts Nico Hulkenberg, announced the immediate separation from Steiner on January 10. This came as a surprise to many fans, as the former team boss has been a crowd favorite since the Netflix series "Drive to Survive". But now it's time to say goodbye and Hülkenberg has already done that.
| Günther Steiner | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 April 1965, in Merano |
| Last Team: | Haas F1 Team (2014 - 2024) |
| Other | In 2023, he published his book 'Surviving to Drive' |
Formula 1: Nico Hulkenberg calls Günther his friend and thanks him
Günther Steiner's contract expired at the end of 2023. Between Christmas and New Year, Gene Haas informed him in a phone call that he would not be renewing his contract. This news came as a surprise to Steiner. On social media, fans were expecting the Italian's exit even before the big bang, when they noticed that his name had disappeared from the Formula 1 team's website.
However, the former team boss was not able to say goodbye to his employees and drivers in person. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen also took to Instagram to address a few kind words to Steiner: "Thank you Günther. For your trust, your friendship and the opportunity to race in Formula 1 again! You're definitely a character. Only the best!" says Hülkenberg.
Formula 1: Günther Steiner speaks out for the first time about his retirement from Haas
On Saturday, January 13, the "Autosport International Show" took place in Birmingham, Günther Steiner was on site and spoke directly for the first time about the separation from the Haas F1 Team. "I just want to say thank you to all the team members who I couldn't really say goodbye to. That's why I'm doing it this way now. And I also want to thank all the fans who supported us while I was there. It's fantastic – I thank everyone for the support I've received and continue to receive," Steiner said.
It was particularly painful for him that he was not able to say goodbye to his team in person. That's why the Italian used the stage in Birmingham to say a few last words openly. Whether his future will continue to play out in Formula 1, he leaves open. "I don't know if Formula 1 wants me," Steiner said. But he makes it clear that he doesn't necessarily have to stay in the motorsport series: Only if there is a job for him that is interesting and challenges him, but in general he is in no hurry to decide on this future right now, Steiner said. (lhe)