Steiner open to F1 return but only for a project he can shape himself

Guenther Steiner has confirmed he is open to a return to Formula 1, but insists any opportunity would need to be a genuine project he can shape from the ground up rather than a conventional management role.

Steiner, 61, was replaced as Haas team principal in January 2024 after more than a decade building the American outfit into a grid fixture. Since leaving, he has carved out a media career as a television pundit in the F1 paddock and a regular guest on The Red Flags Podcast, while also taking an ownership stake in the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP team.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast alongside former F1 driver David Coulthard and co-host Jolie Sharpe, Steiner was direct about his conditions. “I would come back if there is a project I like,” he said. “There are so many things I like to do, and if you look at me, the last 10-20 years were always projects. I was not going for a job because just doing a job, I wouldn’t say it’s boring to me, but there’s not enough excitement. It needs to be something that really challenges me.”

He was equally clear about what the word “project” means to him personally. “A project means something you can shape yourself, not just going in because I don’t live by a job title. I couldn’t care less about the job title. For me, it’s doing something I like to do.”

Steiner, who became a fan-favourite personality through Netflix’s Drive to Survive during his Haas tenure, also reflected with characteristic humour on his transition into broadcasting. “When I left, I went into TV. I didn’t know that that industry even existed,” he said. “But then I got an offer, I said I’d try it because I wanted to be as good as David. I haven’t achieved it yet. So, I think it was easier to start an F1 team than to get as good as David on TV.”

Steiner did not name any specific team or project he is currently pursuing, and no formal approach has been reported.