Did Horner just jab at Steiner for his Netflix fame? The Red Bull chief teased the Haas boss, noting his rise came from Drive to Survive rather than on‑track triumphs.
Steiner led the under‑funded Haas squad from 2014 until 2023, steering the team to two back‑to‑back last‑place finishes and a peak of fifth place in 2018 before being dismissed.
The standout moment arrived at the rain‑soaked Brazilian GP in 2022, when Kevin Magnussen shocked everyone by clinching pole; other highlights have been scarce.
Yet the series catapulted Steiner into fan‑favorite status, his blunt demeanor and frequent expletives resonating with viewers.
The Italian even penned ‘Surviving to Drive’, a memoir that argues his fame now stems more from the show than his actual role.
Former Red Bull leader Horner, who boasts 14 world titles, told Autosport, “These guys edit endless footage to craft a narrative.
Christian Horner speaks to Autosport
He added, “You can cast anyone as villain or hero. The programme’s success lies in exposing rivalries and driver personalities.
“Steiner built a career on that exposure… I don’t recall him ever standing on an F1 podium,” Horner said.
But kudos to him. He’s a fierce character—once intimidating at Red Bull—and his presence has drawn a fresh fan base, which I think revitalizes the sport.
Steiner began as a World Rally Championship mechanic before moving to F1 in 2001 as Jaguar’s managing director, leaving the role at the end of 2002.
The now 61‑year‑old joined Red Bull—Jaguar’s successor—for its 2005 debut as technical operations director, a post he held for a single season.
After Adrian Newey arrived, Steiner shifted to Red Bull’s NASCAR arm, serving as technical director until 2008.
Horner and Steiner in 2005
Horner recalled, “When I started at Red Bull they mentioned a guy Niki Lauda had recommended—Guenther Steiner from Jaguar.”
‘I’d never heard of him; a quick web search made him look pretty intimidating,’ Horner said, recalling his first impression.
He later oversaw the RB2, a Ferrari‑powered car that overheated by three degrees during a Silverstone shakedown.
Adrian Newey soon appeared and dismissed the project, saying they’d forget about that car.
Steiner then left Red Bull to develop its nascent NASCAR program, marking his shift toward American racing.
Today Steiner runs MotoGP’s Tech3, KTM’s sole satellite outfit, sitting eighth in the 2026 standings with 139 points.
We’d love your thoughts!
We welcome your suggestions for future coverage.
Take our 5 minute survey.
– The Team