GUENTHER STEINER’S sudden departure from HAAS F1 team!

How will Guenther Steiner's F1 departure affect the future of Haas and F1? In a press release some hours ago it was announced that Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner will be leaving Haas effective immediately and that he will be replaced by Haas engineer Ayao Komatsu. It doesn't take a lot of research to realise that this was not a mutual decision and Guenther Steiner was fired from Haas F1 Team. Although what does this mean for the future of the team and how will Guenther Steiner leaving F1 impact the entire F1 season? One thing is for certain, Guenther Steiner's Drive to Survive appearances will be missed in this years season and I hope to hear Guenther Steiner's statement soon!
#guenthersteiner #f1news #formula1
00:00 Guenther steiner sacked
00:42 My thoughts on Guenther
01:00 Guenther's impact on Haas
02:15 Guenther Steiner's statement?
02:40 Will he be missed?
03:30 was Guenther too popular?
05:08 Ayao Komatsu
05:32 Guenther's tenure
06:00 What effect will this have on morale?
06:30 Guenther's honesty
07:13 What do HAAS do now?
07:55 What now for Guenther?
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[@csrbullet6288]

Guenther was a man of the people. At Silverstone last year he was the only member of any team to be seen walking around the fan zone and engaging with the crowd. This is why everybody loves him, he’s a genuine down to earth guy that people can relate to. BIG mistake by Haas

[@adeleensa7823]

Poor guy, his loyalty to haas was insane. He was at the helm of a team who was in constant financial distress.

[@KymIllman]

Absolutely right!

[@richieduck67]

Brought sponsors in as well

[@dennisb7317]

True, but also was it loyalty or no better options?

[@superlogistics1]

Loyalty means nothing if you ain’t bring success. Time for a change as well.

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Thanks Kym! We know Haas Racing in F1 because of Guenther. 🏁

[@samhealy5994]

Kym, I have been a subscriber since you were at around 82,000. Your growth is not surprising, given your incredible speaking ability and way of synthesizing information into enjoyable short videos. You have become an essential part to every F1 race weekend, as well as entertainment during the mundane off-season. Thank you for all your hard work and please keep the videos coming!

[@KymIllman]

Thank you for being on board for so long! Glad you like the videos there is lots of new content to come to this year!

[@pahooper99]

Hear! Hear! I completely agree with you @samhealy5994

[@tubaboy10]

Guenther literally put the Drive in Drive to Survive and he brought Haas more character and popularity. Not sure what made them let him go, but hopefully he will return to the paddocks soon.

[@Millesimal_Ed]

"F*ck Gene!"😅😂

[@phylliscimino2963]

Hopefully we have not seen the last of Guenther..he will be missed!

[@Gugguuni]

I can't believe Haas got rid of Günther. He was such a funny and positive character in all the F1 circus. F1 could need some more interesting people like him. All the others are so corporate, so dull - it's borderline depressing. I'm sad for Formula 1. He'll be missed.

[@drphibesrises]

Quite surprised by this announcement. This sudden event seems like he butted heads with someone.Not that Haas was very relevant, but I think they will soon regret this decision. Only time will tell, but he was a character who was entertaining. A refreshing personality among team principles. Maybe it was his decision, who knows. Keep us up to date on the real goings on. 👍

[@davidjones8680]

Sky F1 need to sign him up fast! Just imagine all the insight he would give and the straightforward no nonsense way he would interview his former employers and competitors.

[@damot1051]

I can imagine the expletives during an interview with a team principle when they say one thing and Guenther replying 'nahh thats bullshit, tell us the f*cking truth.....' in his straight forward unfiltered way!! lol

[@Pedro285]

He had a massive passion for F1. Not so sure Mr Haas shares the same ideals. Sad when F1 has a team not interested in investing and is purely a moving advertisement. Doesn’t quite fit the elite level of F1 to me.

[@LVQ-so5th]

I'd rather see Andretti take that spot. I want to see teams that are hungry for success. I just haven't seen that with Haas.

[@hez_am_i2448]

Yessssss Haas made all these promises but refuses to bring the $$

[@CuriousJet]

It was a shock firing to me and many fans I’m sure. I really wish Gunenther well, I hope to see him in F1 one day! Maybe Hass made him sign a NDA to keep him quiet?? Maybe we’ll see one of the most storied comeback in the future??

[@paulmerritt418]

Guenther is going to be really missed. I hope he lands another F1 job very soon!

[@martinh4630]

As I understand it, Guenther created the business model for HAAS enabling the Ferrari engine and other components to be used - with some HAAS personnel based at Modena. (That business model is no longer allowed in F1). And didn't he bring in their Title Sponsor, MoneyGram? So I'm wondering if the HAAS F1 Team might be sold soon ...?

[@davidjv9800]

Congrats on 300k subscribers Kym! I'lll be here for the next 300k also. Looking forward to F1 in 2024 with your commentary and videos

[@KymIllman]

Let’s hope I get those extra 300k this year. Cheers.

[@tradingmasterywithandrewba6845]

It’s such a shame they could not come to an agreement for him to just remain the face of the team, I think he would have enjoyed the pressure release but clearly there has been a Barney with Haas. I reckon he’ll be snapped up by a media outlet. He would be gold in a TV role.

[@Nakakapagpabagabag1]

I love Haas because of Guenther. He is like Daniel Ricciardo in terms of entertainment.

[@ANOAFunnyVideo]

Guenther is due to attend the Autosport International Show in the UK on Saturday on the live stage , apparently he is still going even after this news so that interview could be very interesting and maybe even explosive if he goes off !!

[@user-fo5ms7rf1d]

I'm not overly surprised by this departure. The only thing I'm surprised by the timing, like you said, it probably was a little late. You've probably hit the reason, the failed 'upgrade' and going backwards on the standings were the reasons and also explained why the head technical guy also left. An $8m failure was a lot to explain to sponsors. Yes, he was a great character and cool to watch but you can also sense even in Drive to Survive that it's a ticking time bomb... I'll miss the guy and hope he will pop up somewhere. Maybe an unflitered commentary / podcast for the next season? Maybe do a collab with him, Kym?

[@kaywatkins2987]

Kym Thankyou for your great in-site as per usual thanking 🙏 your for your time and dedication..

[@bigboy0625]

It's 0730 here in New Zealand early start for both of us.

[@bertko1710]

Congratulations on the 300k subscribers!

[@damiannogamusic]

Sorry for your loss. That sweater is sweet Kym 👍

[@LarsAgerbk]

Kevin and Guenther are true friends. Both on the job and in private. As a Born-again-F1 KMAG fan, I am ofcourse also a huge fan of Guenther Steiner. Here in Denmark Guenther Steiner was so popular at some time, that people hung up election posters of him during the national parliament election. With all that I still think it was the right thing to do to let Guenther go. Something needed to happen.

[@williamlau4045]

huge respect to Kym, noticed u recorded it till sunrise, what a man

[@KordellCaldwell]

Swiftly becoming the premier F1 KZbinr, keep up the great work!

[@KymIllman]

Very kind words! Thanks for watching

[@vwbora26]

On a side note Kym, I love your house with large open air and the lighting is amazing!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@deonvanloggerenberg3711]

This is sad news for the sport. Thanks Kym for your update.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for watching. Sad news indeed

[@raydriver7300]

Great content as always, Kym. Here’s hoping 2024 is healthy and successful. Now press the bloody button! 🌞

[@jemlovestolaugh]

i first thought it was a fan edit or joke when the news broke… going to be an interesting start of the season

[@RCKickschannel]

This is the kind of team boss we want in F1, a character not a blank corporate face who has opinions and speaks openly. It's a step down for HASS F1 that's for sure from a fan's point of view.

[@matdriks]

Would love to see him back in F1 . Wonderful guy 🎉

[@NY1075]

Thank you as always top stuff! Sad to see Gunter go

[@KymIllman]

Thank you for watching!

[@jackleslie1194]

Always love your content Kym! Next time you're in the US, try JSX Airlines, my Dad is a pilot for them. Would love to see you giving them a go!

[@KymIllman]

Noted!

[@robdbanque]

End of contract and being sacked are two different things altogether.

[@mcrayfourd]

I think the top and bottom line was results or lack of them

[@Jezzaaa3]

I'm so shocked by the news, but at the same time, I guess the financer had enough. Shame to see him go, He will be missed in the sport!

[@benji2025]

Good morning Kym from Montreal, Canada! 🇨🇦

[@KymIllman]

Hello from Lancelin!

[@mellowgh0st]

I honestly don't think Gene really cares about the team, I think he just treats it as a rolling billboard but even if that was the case, I'd think you'd like Guenther getting the attention all while wearing your name.

[@victorrichards5672]

you kinda prove your own point wrong, if a rolling billboard was all he cared for then certainly guenther wouldn't have been sacked, gene haas is as hungry for success as any other person with links to motor racing

[@vrccb]

He will be sadly missed by all x

[@VarjoPira]

Gunther seemed like the John Tortorella of F1. Once earned, insane loyalty both ways. Doesn't sugarcoat things. You WANT to drive for this guy if you're in his team.

[@sheenamccabe942]

Sad to see him go. Quite the character and very popular. I don't think that factored into his sudden dismissal. If I were to guess it has to do with the teams performance - last in the champion last year and maybe the fact that the other team which normally keeps Hass company at the bottom of the championship, AT turning competitive after Daniel Riccardo joining them may well have been the straw that broke the camels back as far as Gene Hass was concerned and both he and Guenther may well have clashed over performance and lack of money and that was it for Guenther. He's going to leave a Guenther size hole in the focking door and I wonder if he smashed the focking door on his way out.

[@ellyelzinga01]

I was shocked to read this yesterday evening. It's sad for Günther but also for F1 and the fans. Maybe they should put him at Ferrari though, his brutal honesty might actually help them mess up less.

[@scsmith4604]

As an Indy Car fan I hope he goes to that series in some capacity. They need the help.

[@nick_cooper]

James Vowels is lawful good, and Guenther is chaotic good. They are my two fave principals, and it won't be the same without Guenther

[@HeyZeus915]

Going to miss Guenther on drive to survive he was a big personality; I wish him the best.

[@ZacharyBraxton-kl5bs]

I'm sorry to hear that. Some kind of disagreement. I'm sure. I hope him the best! I hope he doesn't loose the love of the sport because of this!

[@gasgaslex_photos]

Gunter was iconic as in he spoke his mind in a genuine unfiltered way unlike the measured political speaches given by the other team principles.....now what is Connor Moore going to do?

[@kerrig9920]

He will be missed 😢

[@MissMarquise]

It wasn't the last couple of days, you missed a lot of conversations with the time difference in Perth. Sky said he knew 2 weeks ago.

[@edupost2010]

Hope see Guenther again in F1! For sure, someday we will!

[@oscartango2348]

I've never heard of any of these people. I didn't realize you were talking about Go-Kart racing.

[@chrisw341]

He has an interview this Saturday

[@joei4ever]

there was talks about them splitting up, as Guenther wanted to have part ownership in the team and piece of cake, which Gene did not accept.

[@I_Evo]

BBC reporting his contract had run out and wasn't renewed, so potentially not fired/sacked, small distinction. What's he going to do next? Wasn't there talk of a executive producer role in a dramitised F1 series for an American network?

[@wafflecrunch]

I hope he gets a media job until he finds a new gig at a team. Imagine having him able to speak freely commenting on current affairs in F1.

[@lynnerattray9642]

I’m going to miss Him 😢. He was the only funny and honest leader in the paddock ❣️

[@timwillett7802]

He left last month and wasn’t sacked as such - his contract wasn’t renewed. Difference of opinion with Gene on how to move forward and their performance last season.

[@6058jeremysmith]

Excellent video Kym, you hit the nail firmly on the head …GH has made a large error …

[@horatiocaine9241]

So sad. I had the pleasure of hanging out with him and his wife during the down time in the paddock before P2 in vegas. Such nice people. Growing up in NC we had lots to talk about.

[@grantsutherland6798]

There's no room for sentiments in this tough old game. Honestly I believe that despite all the money that is paid in salaries, a lot of people paddock-wide are tired of the corporate nonsense going on! Something has to give. The emphasis hasn't been on people it's been on Liberty $$$$$$.. Never forget this sport-business requires good people and to keep them we have to treat them well

[@sonja2183]

Still won‘t believe it!! 😢😭😭

[@random-person1]

to be fair to Ayao, hes coming into a team built around Guenther Steiner and thats a task i wouldnt want to take, certainly not this close to first testing. some of the more important designs are months old and are tied so closely to the performance of the car. changing leadership now isnt just stupid but suicidal! it would be like me jumping out of a 60 year old mini and into a bugatti, its just not feasible. im going to miss him for sure, but his influence on the team is something that should have been considered.

[@johnh9200]

It had to happen sadly. I think that the problem lies with their Race Engineer...and he looks suspiously like the new boss.

[@Goaltimer]

Steiner had the vision of a new team and he was the one who built the team. This team is his baby. I can only imagine how hard it will be for him to watch his car racing on tv for the first time n Bahrain. I hope he will come back to the sport in the future.

[@yaxo11]

He will, with andretti team

[@jsma9999]

Guenther Steiner was the 2020- Eddie Jordan, reckon he show up on TV as a pundit.

[@Kermit-The-Smaug]

It’s ok. At least we go Danny back. Could you imagine DTS without Gunther or Danny ric?

[@Toastybear1]

I’m certain there’s more to this story. Haas’ statement reminds me of similar scenarios whereby the team is trying to get out ahead of other news that may reflect badly on the team. I wonder if the decision was Guenther’s.

[@peters5333]

It's been reported his contract was never renewed. Haas F1 and Guenther have known about this since the end of 2024 but it was kept quiet till now. And yes, I am sure he signed an NDA for a big pile of money. It's not like him to be quiet or not have something to say.

[@CallieMasters5000]

First Angela, then Danny, and now Guenther?! 😢 Oh the humanity!!!

[@RetailRipper]

I feel like Guenther cared more for the team than Gene. I hope he goes on a nice holiday and then gets his own netflix show.

[@Kevin_Aus]

It's likely that Gene wanted to make more dramatic changes in the team, sacking drivers mid season, getting in new development and technical staff, etc.. and it's likely that Guenther wanted to keep building on what they had. I expect more significant changes to the team on the technical side and possibly even a pay driver (ala Nikita) coming into the team considering that they are struggling with money. The problem with making 2024 a 'rebuilding year' is that it becomes a write off even before the first race.

[@crab3696]

Guenther will be missed as he didn't hold back. What a shame!

[@MrObiWanKenobi8999]

I wonder how much of this is related to Haas & Ferrari relationship? Binotto & Steiner are great friends and since Binotto left, is the Ferrari parts development still on track? Does Ferrari create the suspension system for Haas? Maybe the tire overheating issues lies with the Ferrari relationship and Binotto gone, and without the ability to make their own parts, I wonder if this is the reason for the break up.

[@grooviefan]

This was long overdue.

[@Ian-li2qo]

Guenther has spoken to Sky F1 at the Autosport show in the Uk today. Check it out.

[@esciteach7997]

here in USA we tend to hear more extras about Mr. Haas due to NASCAR and Tony Stewart and Indy Car; will be listening.

[@David-xl9cp]

What a shame, I thought he was a great front man and loved his comments.

[@dklassen]

Going to miss Guenther but like any sports team you need results. What they need now besides a better car is American Drivers.

[@racecrashrepeat]

Gunther WAS drive to survive. He built that HAAS team too.. it must be heart breaking to him as you 100% dedicate your whole life to building that and then you a forced out. Very intereting to see what happensfrom here i would oresume alot of guthers guiadance is goingto spill onto 2024, but ihave doubts over the future of that team.

[@brianzamparelli9166]

Man Netflix is going to miss him.

[@tabathalowery4219]

Mr. Kym, I just saw Mr. Guenther and his beautiful wife on Saturday in Charlotte, NC USA at the mall ... I almost freaked when I saw them in person. Although Haas is not my team, I loved Mr.Guenther from the Netflix series.

[@phillipbrock4810]

I am shoxk to hear this a true gentleman has gone. Does anyone know when Season 6 on Drive to Survive to start?

[@dmurphy1578]

Not everyone who is good at building is good at running what they built. I’d think the aero department is rather concerned today.

[@Formaldehydex]

I wonder if developing a car last year that could qualify well above its weight, but could not do well in any race due to the outrageous tire wear, had anything to do with it.

[@NightSkyTakeru]

I was about to sleep that night and this is a shocking news and oc the 2 main questions how and why and its sad he was sacked before the 2024 season

[@KymIllman]

Absolutely

[@tomfurie2996]

Sky Sports should sign him immediately as commentator. That would be perfect!

[@justwayne4785]

All the problems at has I think can lead back to Gene Haas, hi did say he didn’t care if they were running last, which showed in his lack of investment.

[@jeffkhh0]

Will Guenther go to Andretti? He did help to build the Haas F1 team,maybe he will be a great man to help Andretti.

[@MickayG]

Sad... I like Steiner, great personality... straight to the point, no politics and not afraid to speak his mind. The problem with Haas is not the team boss, it's the owner who never really went 100% for this team. Haas should sell to Andretti.

[@dgs127]

I would not call what happened called a firing. His contract was up and Haas decided not to enter into a new contract.

[@claesund]

We all loved Günther!

[@tekorling]

kym...may we have the surfshark deal link please?

[@KymIllman]

surfshark.deals/KYM

[@mmonkeyman1403]

Unfortunately you can’t operate in an environment that preaches results and continue to flounder. I’d be surprised if Ayao was more than a placeholder, but on the whole it is just insanity to keep the current structure in place that took a fully funded team from 2022 onwards and only went backwards.

[@CallieMasters5000]

To be honest, it's a wonder the teams at the back keep showing up each race. It must be hard to know you have virtually no shot in hell at any decent results unless everybody gets into a wreck.

[@chrisgillis7217]

Huge personality like you said big on Netflix… I will certainly miss his energy. Probably not a good move by Haas

[@KymIllman]

He will be missed by a lot of fans! A sad loss for Formula 1

[@paulyjones3966]

Legendary bloke 👏

[@Charlotte_Photographer]

Get him on Sky Sports!! Or since he lives here in Charlotte, maybe one of the NASCAR teams picks him up as a team engineer or crew chief of a NASCAR team.

[@DavidJones-pi8rl]

Whether he was sacked or just didn't get his contracted renewed (as hinted at on Sky F1), I will miss Guenther! I think Gene Haas will probably regret the decision, but only time will tell. Not much is going wright for Haas owned teams, given the performances and issues at Stewart Haas NASCAR team, may time to sell Haas F1 to Andretti Global?

[@KymIllman]

You raise a good point

[@moegeek]

I figure Gene Haas told Gunther that he was selling the team to Andretti Autosport. Perhaps Andretti already has someone destined for that role, so Steiner was out. Perhaps with a nice departure check…

[@LoydChampion]

Don't know Guenther, but I'm surprised he lasted this long. If I had the resources of the Haas team I would have them in the top 3 in points in 3 years.

[@menash23]

We all love him, maybe he can be a better marketing exec? he is so funny.

[@peterbeck-rasmussen8514]

Maybe the real reason for Steiner departure lies in the ongoing legal battle between him and Gene Haas over ownership of the team ? I have a hard time understanding what other conflict should lead to such a negative breakup with Steiner leaving with immediate effect and without a joint statement from Gene Haas and Steiner.