'Steiner pulled the plug' over $20m Haas dispute

Feb.27 (GMM) Gunther Steiner says he was fired by Haas team owner Gene Haas because he was asking for equity in the struggling back-of-the-grid Formula 1 team.

The F1 world was stunned recently when Steiner, who led the American outfit from the beginning, was suddenly replaced by engineer Ayao Komatsu for 2024 and beyond.

Until now, the 58-year-old has been reluctant to explain what happened between himself and billionaire Haas. He sat down for an interview a few days ago with Jack Plooij, a presenter for Ziggo Sport, but Steiner then asked him not to air certain answers.

“He then sent me a message saying ‘Jack, just say it’,” Plooij revealed.

“Gunther had found a $20 million sponsor. But he also wanted shares in the team to stay with Haas. (Gene) Haas said ‘No, we won’t do that’. So Steiner himself pulled the plug,” he divulged.

Steiner will be in Bahrain this weekend as a pundit for German broadcaster RTL.

Steve Cole

Share
Published by
Steve Cole

Recent Posts

Hulkenberg still a 'silly season' player – Schumacher

Jun.10 (GMM)  Nico Hulkenberg could find himself with a starring role in a future round…

3 months ago

F2 driver says new fans don't understand racing

Jun.9 (GMM) Many new fans of top-level single seater racing do not understand "how motorsport…

3 months ago

Newey attracting talent to Aston Martin – de la Rosa

Jun.9 (GMM) The 'Adrian Newey effect' is already happening at Aston Martin, according to team…

3 months ago

Stroll in 'good condition' for Canadian GP

Jun.9 (GMM) Lance Stroll looks set to return to the wheel of his Aston Martin…

3 months ago

Hamilton will 'maybe not' win eighth title

Jun.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton's hopes of an eighth world championship are slipping away. That's the…

3 months ago

Three F1 stars predict Piastri title in '25

Jun.9 (GMM) Three former Formula 1 drivers agree that Oscar Piastri has become the clear…

3 months ago