Guenther Steiner Expects Szafnauer to Swiftly Move On from Alpine Exit

• F1

Formula 1 is a sport that thrives not just on the track but also behind the scenes. The recent sudden exit of Otmar Szafnauer from Alpine has brought to the fore the immense pressure that team principals face. While F1 fans might be familiar with the exhilarating speeds and close battles on the racetrack, the challenges off the track are often just as intense.

In a candid conversation at Spa, Guenther Steiner, Haas's Team Principal, voiced his thoughts on Szafnauer's surprising departure. “How it was done is not the normal way, but everybody does it their own way. I think obviously Otmar will be disappointed, but he has been there before,” Steiner remarked.

This comment not only highlights the unpredictability of the F1 world but also showcases the resilience required by those in top management positions. As Steiner puts it, “If you are in this job, most of us have been there before.

One door closes, another one opens”. Such sentiments reveal the intricate nature of managing F1 teams, where public scrutiny is a constant and the ability to adapt is crucial. “You are in the public eye; things can happen, and you just have to deal with that.

I think Otmar will be over it pretty quick. These things happen; it’s part of our life as a Team Principal”.

The Role of Experienced Drivers

Shifting gears, Steiner opened up about the operations within his team, specifically discussing the instrumental roles Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg play.

The two experienced drivers, with their depth of expertise, are actively assisting the Haas team in enhancing their race performance. When questioned about the advantages of having seasoned drivers, Steiner responded, “Absolutely”.

He added, “Both, when we met after Canada with the senior technical people, they were both involved in those discussions”. Steiner emphasized the importance of direct communication between drivers and the technical team.

He believes in harnessing their hands-on experience, "Because sometimes it’s ‘yeah, could be this, could be that’. No, there is a guy which is actually driving it. How [does] the car behave?" In sum, while the high-octane races captivate millions worldwide, the story behind the scenes of Formula 1 is equally compelling.

Between the pressures of leadership and the invaluable input from seasoned drivers, the journey off the track is an intriguing dance of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration.