Chequered Flag Extra: Steiner, Verstappen & Will Cadillac Be Competitive?

This episode features former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner, who shares insights from his extensive career in Formula One, starting with Jaguar and later founding Haas. Steiner reflects on the impact of the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' on his public persona and the sport itself. The episode opens with a discussion led by Andrew Benson on the fallout from the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, especially focusing on Max Verstappen's five-second penalty and his comments about FIA regulations that he believes stifle drivers' freedom of expression.

Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the FIA's rules, which penalize drivers for speaking critically, has become a topic of concern among many drivers, highlighting a mounting tension within the sport. The conversation also hints at an intriguing rivalry building between Verstappen and rookie driver Oscar Piastri following their on-track confrontation.

Steiner recounts how he entered the world of motorsport, detailing his journey from rallying to F1, where he worked under notable figures like Niki Lauda. He emphasizes the challenges and triumphs of setting up Haas as an American team in F1, including strategic partnerships that have defined its competitive edge. Steiner also candidly reminisces about the difficult seasons, including a particularly challenging year during the COVID pandemic with rookie drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

As the conversation shifts to the Haas team's current performance under new leadership, Steiner expresses optimism while acknowledging ongoing challenges. He leaves listeners with a sense of his enduring passion for the sport and an openness to future opportunities, even as he enjoys his new role as a public figure within F1.