Why Is Guenther Steiner at the Miami GP Despite Being Sacked by Hass?

Guenther Steiner is a household name in Formula 1 and amongst American F1 fans. Having served as the team principal of Haas for almost a decade, he kept the only American and low-budget team afloat in times of crisis. To add to that, his popularity exploded when the Drive to Survive Revolution engulfed the United States, massively helping the team with sponsorship.

But as they say, heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the past few months have been difficult for him as Haas decided to sack him in favor of Ayao Komatsu. Does that mean he has bid goodbye to Formula 1? Absolutely not!

Why did Guenther Steiner fall out with the Haas F1 Team?

Guenther built and defended the Gene Haas-owned team with blood and sweat when the sponsorship was tight and big players were the only ones who could survive this game of fastest-speed cars. The American team decided not to renew his contract because Gene Haas was tired of being the permanent backmarker and wanted some returns on his exorbitant investment.

Gene Haas said, “It was clear we needed to improve our on-track performances. We have had success, but we need to be consistent in delivering results that help us reach our wider goals as an organization.” And with a heavy heart, the 58-year-old had to pack his bags.

Talking to David Croft, he said, “Can I start with just something from my side? I didn’t have the chance to say thank you to a few people when I left Haas F1. I would just like to thank all the team members which I couldn’t give a proper goodbye [to] when I left. I also want to say also thank you to all the fans who supported Haas while I was there – it’s fantastic. It’s one of those occasions, with so many people here. Thanks for coming as well, [for me] to say thank you to everybody for the support I got and I’m getting.”

He further added, “It stung [not being able to say goodbye to the team], but they all know me, and I still appreciate what they did. It would be nice to say, ‘Hey guys, thanks for all that you did’, because the team started very small, running on adrenaline a lot of times, and they did a good job. Obviously, it doesn’t make you happy not saying thank you, but I think I did it now.”

While the team is entitled to cut ties with him, they have reportedly also not paid him for his work, and now Steiner has dragged them to court. Despite no association with Haas (except their legal battle now), the 58-year-old Italian went back to the paddock in Bahrain as an analyst for Sky Germany and conducted the top three interviews at the Australian Grand Prix. It seems as if F1 cannot bid goodbye to Steiner so easily, and the upcoming Miami GP will see him in a very reputed role.

Why is Guenther Steiner at the Miami GP?

Guenther Steiner has partnered with Formula 1 Crypto.com for the Miami Grand Prix as an ambassador. This significant development marks his return to the F1 scene in a significant new role beyond being an interviewer and analyst. It is only fair for Miami to leverage ex-Haas’ ex-TP’s popularity in the same place where he became a superstar.

The partnership aims to further elevate the sport’s stature in the United States, utilizing Steiner’s expertise and popularity. The Italian, who has been in the sport for four decades and worked with Jaguar Racing from 2001 to 2003 as an MD and technical operations director of its subsequent incarnation, Red Bull Racing, for almost a decade, is not a personality that can be disposed of from F1. Probably that is why we will see him take the reins of Miami GP in a few days.

Talking about his new role, Steiner said, “I’m excited to serve as an ambassador for the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, which has become one of my favorite races of the year. I’ve seen first-hand the incredible growth Formula 1 has had in the United States and it has so much potential to continue growing, especially with races like Miami as part of the circuit. The event–which reflects the bold vision of the organizers–pairs American spectacle and F1 racing with a vibrant atmosphere at the track and throughout the city itself. I can’t wait to work with the team this May for what is guaranteed to be another fantastic event.”

The 2024 Miami Grand Prix, happening from May 3–5, promises an exceptional weekend filled with racing excitement and fan engagement. Are you excited to see Guenther back at the paddock?