Source: Official Team Post via X
Christian Horner Teases Guenther Steiner Over Drive to Survive Stardom
Christian Horner has playfully suggested that Guenther Steiner's fame from Netflix's Drive to Survive eclipses his achievements in F1. Despite Steiner's colorful presence on the show, Horner recalls their early Red Bull days with a chuckle.
Before becoming a household name with Haas, Guenther Steiner had a stint at Red Bull that Christian Horner remembers fondly, albeit with a dash of humor. According to Horner, the Netflix series Drive to Survive "made" Steiner, turning him into a star despite never bagging a podium in Formula 1.
Steiner and Horner's paths crossed when Horner was appointed as Red Bull Racing's team principal in 2005, with Steiner returning as technical operations director. Their careers diverged when Steiner was moved aside to make room for design legend Adrian Newey. Steiner then ventured into NASCAR before helping to launch the Haas F1 team, rejoining the F1 paddock in 2016.
Meanwhile, Horner's Red Bull journey was marked by success, with four Drivers' and Constructors' titles from 2010 to 2013. But it was Netflix's Drive to Survive, starting from the 2018 season, that brought a different kind of spotlight to both the sport and Steiner.
Steiner's candid, often expletive-laden commentary on the show won over audiences, making him a standout character. Even after leaving the paddock at the end of the 2023 season, he remains a vocal presence, thanks in large part to the show's success.
Horner, promoting his autobiography _Drive_, acknowledged the impact of the series in an interview with Autosport. He noted how the show effectively edits hours of footage to craft compelling narratives, highlighting rivalries and personalities. "Guenther Steiner has made a career off the back of it," Horner quipped, adding that while Steiner's F1 record lacks podiums, he's certainly a character.
Reflecting on their early days at Red Bull, Horner shared an anecdote about the RB2 car, which Steiner was responsible for. Despite chilly conditions at Silverstone, the car overheated, leading to Newey's arrival and a swift pivot in Red Bull's design strategy. Horner humorously recounted his first impression of Steiner, who came recommended by Niki Lauda and had a rather intimidating online presence.
Steiner's subsequent move to the NASCAR project marked his transition into the American motorsport scene, a shift that eventually led to his role with Haas.
In a nutshell, while Horner's career has been defined by titles and team success, Steiner's has been punctuated by a different kind of fame — one that's as entertaining as it is unconventional.