top 5 Guenther Steiner moments
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team has released long-term team principal Guenther Steiner from employment as of January 10, 2024. Guenther, who had been with the team since 2014, is a character in the F1 world, and we will certainly miss him in the paddock. Here are our top 5 favorite Guenther Steiner moments.
“He does not fock smash my door” - Netflix’s Drive to Survive, a documentary series behind-the-scenes look at the drivers and races of the Formula One World Championship, would not be the same with Mr. Guenther Steiner. Steiner has been a stand-out star on the show because of his witty comments and big personality. However, one of his first memorable moments on the show was a moment of anger. Frustrated Danish F1 driver Kevin Magnussen had slammed Steiner’s office door during an argument with the team principal. Steiner later finds Magnussen’s friend to pass along a message: “He does not fock smash my door!” It’s a whole meme now. Warning: there is strong language.
2. “We look like a bunch of wankers” or any recorded phone call with Gene, the team owner — Listen, Haas doesn’t have an exceptional track record. Since debuting in 2016, the American team has never quite found the footing to be a top contender for the championship title, usually finishing in 8th or 9th place in the Constructor’s Championship (except a 5th place in 2018!). At multiple points during Drive to Survive, Steiner is overheard having difficult conversations with Gene Haas, the owner of the team. Steiner usually has to explain his team’s poor performance to an unimpressed Haas. We feel for Steiner; it’s never nice to tell your boss how you messed up. Somehow, Guenther Steiner always manages to do it with charm and a deep sense of accountability…maybe that charm wore off for Haas? This particular call comes after Australia 2018, where both cars had to retire because their tires weren’t properly installed… yeah.
Now for the funny ones!
3. “Last year, for 2 points, I mean, I would have fucked (hugged) the whole paddock” — Steiner gave an interview with F1 journalist Chris Medland during the Saudi Arabia 2022 Grand Prix weekend. In the interview, it sounds to many like he said “fucked” but Steiner holds that he says “hugged.” What do you think he said?
Go to 3:20 to see the moment!
4. “Time to go porpoising.” — After a heated exchange between Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’s Toto Wolff during a team boss meeting, Steiner cuts the tension with this one-liner as they all leave. Tensions were high in the early 2022 season because of the safety issues around porpoising, which multiple teams were experiencing.
5. “He’s going so fucking slow, he doesn’t need to brake.” — This is our favorite line because it’s so sassy. At this point in the race, Mick Schumacher is 17 seconds slower than the cars around him, and his Haas engineer is asking him to push. Mick asks about the brake temperature, and Steiner mutes himself, turns to the person next to him, and says “He’s asking about the brakes? He’s going so fucking slow, he doesn’t need to brake.” That’s funny. It’s disrespectful, but it is also honest. Steiner is always known for his honesty. If you have Netflix, you can watch the moment here.
In conclusion,
here’s to you, Guenther Steiner! 🍻 You are a personality that will go down into F1 lore forever. We will miss your funny, sassy, mildly rude, but always honest remarks and your passion for your team. We wish you well on your next steps!! 🍀
