On Monday, April 7, 2025, Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, will celebrate his 60th birthday. Known for his larger-than-life personality and candid demeanor, Steiner plans a quiet family celebration in his hometown of Merano, Italy. However, this milestone marks only a brief pause before he embarks on a whirlwind tour that rivals the intensity of a Formula 1 season. Over the next three months, Steiner will perform 42 live shows across the UK, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, with stops in cities like Yeovil, Harrogate, and Plymouth.

Steiner’s appeal is undeniable. Last year, he held 25 shows in the UK, all of which sold out, a testament to his popularity. Much of his fame stems from his starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive, where his unfiltered commentary and fiery passion turned him into a fan favorite. Reflecting on a memorable day in Manchester last October, Steiner recalls being greeted by packed audiences for both morning and afternoon performances. “I love telling my stories, though we always run out of time,” he told Mail Sport. “The crowd is diverse—young and old—and I enjoy seeing cultural differences, especially between northern and southern England.”

After a decade leading Haas, Steiner was sacked in December 2023, a decision delivered by team owner Gene Haas over the phone while Steiner shopped for ham in a Merano supermarket. Though the call came between Christmas and New Year, offers flooded in within days. Broadcasters scrambled to secure him as a pundit, and Steiner soon found himself in demand. This transition inspired his book, Unfiltered, with a foreword by friend and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who humorously noted Steiner’s unconventional management style: “It’s like he read a management textbook and decided to do the opposite.”

Despite his exit from F1, Steiner hasn’t ruled out a return. “I’d consider going back, but only for a project I’m passionate about—not just a job,” he says. Having worked grueling 14-hour days for years, he now relishes the freedom to enjoy a Sunday night out without worry. Yet, his competitive spirit remains. “If I ran a team again, I’d want to fight for podiums and championships,” he adds. For now, Steiner’s schedule is packed with punditry for Germany’s RTL, covering half of the 24 F1 races, alongside his ambassador role for the Miami Grand Prix.

Steiner’s passion for motorsport extends beyond his current gigs. He envisions F1 expanding to Africa within the next decade and advocates for more sprint races to boost excitement. His critique of the FIA’s new swearing penalties for drivers is characteristically blunt: “A sport without emotion isn’t a sport. As long as no one’s hurt, it’s fine—tell the drivers to tone it down instead of blowing it up.”

Fans still miss Steiner’s presence in the paddock, a sentiment echoed across social media after his brief Drive to Survive cameo in the latest season. “I’m happy to laugh at myself and bring joy to people—I never take myself too seriously,” he says. He credits the show with attracting younger audiences, securing F1’s future. “A sport can’t ask for more than a young fanbase,” he notes.

Steiner’s knack for self-control has improved since leaving team management. “When I grab the mic, it’s like a switch—the F-word disappears,” he jokes. Yet, his authenticity remains intact, endearing him to fans and peers alike. At 60, he shows no signs of slowing down. Between live shows, TV commentary, and his lingering F1 ambitions, Steiner is poised to write more chapters in his storied career.

For now, he’s embracing this new phase, blending his love for racing with a flair for entertainment. Whether on stage or behind the mic, Guenther Steiner continues to captivate, proving that life after F1 can be just as thrilling as the sport itself.