Guenther Steiner opens door to F1 return

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has opened the door to a potential return to the F1 paddock.

The Italian-born engineer was appointed as the founding team principal of Haas back in April 2014 and under his stewardship, Haas made its debut in 2016 and scored 29 points in its maiden season, a remarkable feat for a new constructor.

The team's peak came in 2018, when Haas finished fifth in the constructors' championship with 93 points, establishing itself as a genuine midfield force. 

However, results soon declined sharply, and Haas spent its final years under Steiner languishing near the foot of the constructors' standings, finishing last in 2023. 

Team owner Gene Haas chose not to renew Steiner's contract, and his departure was confirmed on 10 January 2024, with Ayao Komatsu stepping in as his replacement.

Now, Steiner has confirmed he would consider a comeback, provided the right opportunity presents itself.

"I would come back if there is a project I like," he told the Up to Speed podcast. "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, I wouldn't say boring to me, but there is not enough excitement.

"It needs to be something which really challenges me."

Since leaving Haas, Steiner has carved out a varied career as an F1 television pundit, author, and public speaker, while also taking on the role of CEO at the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP team from the start of 2026.

Speaking on the podcast alongside one of the hosts, David Coulthard, Steiner added: "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! I didn't achieve it yet! So, long way to go. 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!'"

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