Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner insists he has no relationship with owner Gene Haas after leaving the team at season’s end.
Team split details
Steiner’s contract was not renewed in late 2023; the role has been held by Ayao Komatsu since then. The departure followed a period of limited interaction between Steiner and Haas, according to a recent High Performance podcast interview.
During the 2020‑21 COVID‑era crisis, the outfit struggled to regain momentum. Steiner said “we started talking less” but “there was nothing bad in it.” Tension grew in the weeks that followed, resulting in a gradual breakdown of discussion.
Steiner’s view on the split
When asked about staff already at Haas, Steiner noted “most of the people, I’ve got a good relationship.” He argued the lack of contact with Haas is simply a business outcome: “He can move on without me, and I can move on without him.”
He emphasized respect for the proprietor: “The guy who owns everything puts the money in. There’s a saying: who pays decides, and you have to agree with that. I can decide for my career too.”
Future outlook for Haas and Steiner
Steiner’s statement underscores that Haas may pursue a different strategic direction under Komatsu, while the former principal moves to new ventures. The professional distance he describes signals a clean break amid the tightly knit paddock community.
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