In a recent interview, former Haas F1 team principal Gunter Steiner shed light on the events that led to his surprising departure from the team.
As per Steiner’s account to journalist Jack Plooij, the primary factor was a dispute with team owner Gene Haas regarding a $20 million sponsorship deal that Steiner had secured. And also an unwillingness to provide ownership stakes in Haas F1
According to Steiner, he presented Haas with the lucrative sponsorship opportunity, but Haas was unwilling to move forward with it. In response, Steiner requested an ownership stake in the Haas F1 team in order to proceed with the sponsor and guide the team forward. However, Haas declined this proposal as well.
“I have a sponsor I want some shares (presumably of haas F1) and then I can stay and then we can move forward.” Steiner said. “No, gene Haas said, we are not gonna do that. And then Steiner himself pulled the plug.”
With Haas unwilling to provide him an ownership stake, Steiner made the decision to leave the Haas F1 team, ending his nearly 10-year tenure as team principal. This shocking revelation provides key insight into the internal politics behind Steiner’s exit.
“So what happened with Haas. He found a sponsor worth 20 million, gene Haas didn’t want to. Gunter Steiner said “I have a sponsor I want some shares (presumably of haas F1) and then I can stay and then we can move forward.” No, gene Haas said, we are not gonna do that. And then Steiner himself pulled the plug”
While Steiner and Haas have had a close working relationship in the past, it appears that disagreements over the team’s sponsorship and ownership created significant friction between the two that could not be resolved. With the 2023 F1 season approaching, the Haas team will now need to move forward without Steiner’s leadership.
Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_AnZnbbq6s&t=2139s
