Steiner becomes Miami Grand Prix ambassador

Having left the Haas F1 team ahead of the start of the new season, Gunther Steiner has joined the Miami Grand Prix organisation, becoming the ambassador of the Florida-based F1 event.

The Italian left the Haas F1 team at the beginning of the year after team owner Gene Haas had elected not to extend his contract. Steiner led the American outfit from 2016 to 2023, helping Haas establish his F1 squad from zero.

Prior to Haas, Steiner built a long and successful career in motorsport. Having managed Prodrive's Allstar Rally team, winning the European Rally Championship with Krzysztof Hołowczy, Steiner joined M-Sport as project manager. In 2000, he was promoted to director of engineering, where he worked under the Ford World Rally Team alongside drivers Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz.

The Merano-born then joined Formula One, becoming the managing director of Jaguar Racing in 2001. He made the move to Red Bull Racing when the energy drink company purchased Jaguar Racing, taking on the role of technical operations director.

He did not spend much time at Red Bull's F1 organisation as owner Dietrich Mateschitz approached Steiner to help establish a NASCAR team in the United States. Steiner consulted his wife and agreed to move to Mooresville, North Carolina, where he served as Team Red Bull's technical director from 1 April 2006.

Atfer leaving Red Bull's Nascar's operation, he founded the manufacturing company Fibreworks Composites in January 2009. When Haas became the first American constructor to compete in F1 in 30 years in 2016, Steiner became its team principal.

Speaking of his new role, Steiner said: “I’m excited to serve as an ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix which has become one of my favourite races of the year.

“I’ve seen first-hand the incredible growth Formula 1 has had in the United States and it has so much potential to continue growing, especially with races like Miami as part of the circuit.

“The event, which reflects the bold vision of the organisers, pairs American spectacle and F1 racing with a vibrant atmosphere at the track and throughout the city itself. I can’t wait to work with the team this May for what is guaranteed to be another fantastic event.”

Expanding on the signing of Steiner, Miami GP president Tyler Epp said: “Guenther has become a household name with F1 fans of all ages and is a perfect ambassador for our race.

“He embodies the competitive spirit of the sport and has a clear vision of what F1 in America can be. Having someone with his experience, reputation and candour attached to our event will undoubtedly add to the excitement and elevate race weekend to a new level.

“Guenther understands the cultural relevance of Formula 1 and we’re excited that he has chosen Miami as the race he wants to help promote.”