Steiner: Life after being Haas F1 team boss a lot less stressful now

Now an F1 analyst and bestselling author, Steiner admits he’s thriving in his latest chapter, balancing television work, writing, and family life after his tenure looking after Gene Haas' Formula 1 dream

Speaking to Formule1.nl about his transition to his new role, Steiner reflected: “Life is very nice, haha. I enjoy it and I’m learning what life is like without having to run a team. Suddenly, so many new things are happening, and that creates challenges I also need.

“As for the television work, it’s relatively easy. I know what it’s about. When I interview another team boss, I already know ninety percent of what the answer will be. In general, I try to make the sport more understandable for the fans.”

Steiner acknowledges the fine line he walks in his new position: “Sometimes it’s difficult because you don’t want to hurt or offend people. On the other hand, you have to be honest—it’s my opinion. No one has to agree with it, but I always try to be respectful and not too aggressive towards people.

“It’s a bit like when I was team boss: you have to tell the truth without hurting people. Because who wants to hurt people? I don’t.”

Since leaving Haas, Steiner has embraced a less demanding schedule. “I did twelve Grand Prix weekends last year, so I travelled a lot less, which I really enjoy. I also did a lot of other things, like a book promotion in the UK that took me away for two weeks. Life is a lot less stressful now. I don’t have the responsibility for hundreds of people in a racing team anymore.”

Family life, however, remains a juggling act. “At home, they still complain that I’m not home enough, haha. They say: ‘You’re not in Formula 1 anymore and you travel less, so you should be home more.’ If I can, I take them to a few races."

Despite stepping back, Steiner keeps a close eye on his former team. “I still have a lot of friends and connections there. As an analyst, you have to be independent, but I’m happy for the people at Haas and everyone who worked on this car.

“There’s no envy from me at all. You don’t build a car in a few months. A lot of the work for the 2024 car was done when I was still there. I’m genuinely happy the team is doing well.”

Steiner has also found success as an author. His first book, , became a bestseller, with sales making it one of the most popular motorsport books in the UK.

“I think it’s the second best-selling motorsport book ever in the UK, after a book by Murray Walker," revealed Steiner. "At least, that’s what I’ve been told. The book has been translated into ten or eleven languages, which I don’t think happens very often.”

Steiner’s new book, Unfiltered

From analysing the sport he loves to writing books that engage fans, Steiner has found a way to stay connected to the Formula 1 world without the pressures of leading a team. His unique perspective continues to resonate with fans and insiders alike, making his post-Haas chapter as compelling as the years he spent on the pit wall.