Guenther Steiner Open to F1 Return: 'If There's a Project I Like'

Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has hinted he is open to a return to the Formula 1 paddock, but only if a project catches his eye. The statement comes amid his busy schedule managing his new team, Red Bull KTM Tech 3, in MotoGP.

Steiner was a key figure in the creation of Haas and served as team principal until January 2024, when team owner Gene Haas decided not to renew his contract after the team finished last in the previous year's constructors' championship.

Since leaving F1, Steiner has taken over the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 team, now serving as owner and CEO after acquiring full ownership through an investment consortium from Herve Poncharal. However, when asked on the Up to Speed podcast whether he would consider a return to his former stomping ground, Steiner was unequivocal.

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"Yeah. I will come back if there is a project I like," he said. "I mean, I always say, just to go back and do a job: no. There are so many things I like to do. And if you look at me, the last 10, 15, years it was always – or even 20 years – it was always projects. It was not going for a job. Because just doing a job, it's actually- I wouldn't say boring to me, but there is not enough excitement. It needs to be something which really challenges me."

Steiner has a long and varied history within motorsport, having worked in F1, MotoGP, rallying, and DTM. In F1 alone, he has experience with Jaguar and Red Bull before his most famous stint with Haas. Now, with his role in MotoGP, he shows that new challenges always appeal to him.

Musing over what he meant by an 'exciting' project, Steiner added: "A project means something you can shape yourself what to do. Not just going in, because I don't live by a job title. I couldn't care less about the job title. You know, for me, it's like doing something I like to do. It's like when I left Haas, I went into TV. I didn't know that that industry even existed. But then I got an offer, and I said, 'I'll try it.' Because I wanted to be as good as David [Coulthard], I didn't achieve it yet! So, long way to go, you know? It's impossible!"

"When I started an F1 team, they told me, 'You will never make that. Nobody can do that, to start a new F1 team.' 'Okay, I will show you!' So, I think it was easier to start an F1 team than to get as good as David on TV," he quipped. This statement underscores that despite switching series, Steiner remains open to an F1 return if the right challenge comes along.