P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Guenther Steiner’s first public address since his exit from the Haas F1 team was never going to disappoint. While he was magnanimous about his departure, his comments only reinforced where his and Gene Haas’s opinions had diverged
“Although Guenther Steiner is known for his blunt honesty and the tension surrounding his departure from the Haas Formula 1 team, his first public appearance and comments on the matter were anticipated. However, he maintained a measured approach and expressed his views with subtlety, avoiding his usual expletives. This provided closure for those upset by his sudden split from Haas and gave him a chance to say goodbye, which he did not have with the team. Steiner has become a prominent figure in F1, transcending the sport through his appearance in the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive.’ Yet, his direct approach and involvement in rumored TV shows may have contributed to the perception that he was holding Haas back. Behind his charismatic image, Steiner is a serious and professional operator who ensured the team survived the challenging 2020 COVID season. During his appearance, Steiner chose not to criticize Gene Haas or respond to his comments about being embarrassed by the team’s performance in 2023. Instead, he focused on thanking his former colleagues. Steiner’s comments also revealed the disparity between his and Haas’s views on the team’s future direction and the challenges they face in keeping up with F1’s arms race.”