Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has revealed that the key to building the American Formula 1 team was finding the right people. In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, via 247bet, Steiner discussed the challenges of establishing Haas and his tenure until his departure in 2024.
Finding the Right People
Steiner, who previously served as managing director of Jaguar Racing and technical operations director of Red Bull Racing, emphasized the importance of personnel. "The biggest thing always is to find the right people," he said. "I think I got lucky finding a lot of good people, because you cannot do it alone. It's all about the people you work with." He added that it was not just about finding skilled individuals but those who shared a common mission. "It's also people who are thinking alike, like you, what they want to do, to be on a mission."
Overcoming Naysayers
Steiner acknowledged the skepticism surrounding Haas's entry into F1. "The Haas challenge was so big, and there were so many naysayers out there that you actually wanted to prove them wrong," he said. This motivation kept him from giving up. "Throwing in the towel was never on the cards."
First Moment of Vindication
Haas debuted in 2016 after being established in 2014. The team's first test in Barcelona that year was a milestone. "I think the first time was when we went to Barcelona for the first test [in 2016]," Steiner recalled. "You know, that was like, okay, we got here, we are well set up, we missed a lot of little things, but we have got everything to be a Formula 1 team. And we got the respect of the other teams because again, all the naysayers, all of a sudden, were like, wow, this actually happened."
Haas's Best Results
Haas is still awaiting its first race win and podium. Their best finishes include fourth place from Romain Grosjean at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix and Ollie Bearman at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. Despite the lack of top results, Steiner's efforts laid the foundation for the team's continued presence in F1.
