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F1 stalwart and cult figure Guenther Steiner has reflected on leaving Red Bull in 2008, describing his exit as “the best that happened in my life”.
Guenther Steiner, a long-time member of Formula 1 and a well-loved personality, recently expressed his thoughts on leaving Red Bull in 2008, stating that his departure was a pivotal moment, calling it “the best that happened in my life.” He had joined Red Bull after they acquired Jaguar Racing in 2005, where he had also previously worked in the early 2000s.
Initially serving as Technical Operations Director, Steiner eventually transitioned to managing their NASCAR operations in the U.S. until 2008, just before the F1 team’s first Grand Prix victory. He later played a key role in establishing the Haas F1 team from its inception in 2016 until 2023 when he departed as his contract was not renewed.
Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Steiner highlighted that leaving the team provided him with unforeseen opportunities, particularly in the United States, a dream he had held since his youth but never realized due to work visa constraints. This decision led to a series of accomplishments, including establishing a successful composite company and venturing into F1 team ownership, which he believes would not have been possible if he had remained at Red Bull during its dominant period.
Steiner emphasized that immersing himself in American culture was instrumental in his success, enabling him to find investors and partners who shared his vision and values. Overall, Steiner regards his departure from Red Bull as a transformative and ultimately fortunate event in his life, allowing him to flourish in various professional endeavors.
