Guenther Steiner: ‘A Life in F1: Moving On From Haas, Christian Horner’s Sacking, & The Genius of Verstappen' (Ep77)

This week, we’re delighted to welcome the legendary Guenther Steiner to the show. One of the most iconic Team Principal’s to grace the paddock, the personality and energy he brings to the room is not just a show put on for the Drive to Survive cameras. What you have seen on TV is a true account of the man, taking the mickey out of us from the off while delivering such a compelling view on life as a Team Principal and the wider world of F1.

Having left Haas at the end of 2023, he seemed relaxed and free from the pressures of day to day management in one of sport’s most high pressure environments. The toll it takes when under such scrutiny without respite is one of the most fascinating aspects of executive management in F1. Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull last week tees up the conversation focusing on what happens when a leader departs, but also how well prepared organisations are to deal with unexpected circumstances.

Guenther’s profile has become a poster for modern F1; someone who the fans didn’t have exposure to thrust into the limelight as a result of a turbo charged media and brand strategy. But he is more than the big smile and humour. This is someone who founded a team from scratch, operated it under extremely difficult circumstances, and gave life to the sport where it was most needed. He does not disappoint.

On today’s show we discuss:

Running an F1 Team

• What goes into running an F1 team and why it’s more business than racing
• The chaos and logistics of travelling with the F1 circus
• The inside story of how Haas F1 was built from scratch
• Why the cost cap has improved competition and how it changed the sport as a whole
• What no one tells you about a team principal leaving: power shifts, media spin, and personal fallout
• Why Guenther believes being a good team boss is more about managing people than cars

The Mediafication of F1

• How Drive to Survive changed the sport and how it changed Guenther’s life
• The shock of becoming globally famous just for doing your job
• Guenther’s take on the Brad Pitt F1 movie and what Hollywood will never get right about racing
• Why modern drivers need to master more than just the car; media, messaging, and memes included
• The hidden costs and benefits of turning Formula 1 into entertainment
• Why it’s not just Netflix who created a new generation of fans

Drivers

• Why you need two number 1 drivers to compete at the top
• Who has more power today: the drivers or the teams?
• How to manage modern drivers; especially their egos, entourages, and online presence
• The difference between a quick driver and a team player
• Who would be Guenther’s dream driver lineup (for the memes)

A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:

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