Haas F1 team principal Gunther Steiner has a long-lasting friendship with former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto. The Italian and Austrian got along famously well, cementing a good relationship between the Scuderia Ferrari and their customer team Haas.

In a recent interview the The Athletic, Gunther Steiner was asked which member of the F1 paddock he would choose to live with on a desert island for a week. Ahead of choices like his driver Kevin Magnussen and compatriot Toto Wolff was Steiner’s old friend Binotto. Steiner was unable to pick Binotto because he is no longer part of the F1 paddock, and therefore “not allowed” in the options.

In the old days, it would be Mattia (Binotto, Ferrari’s former team principal) because we could have been drinking a lot of wine, but obviously, he’s not around anymore. (At) the moment, he’s around. He’s not allowed to follow along, sorry. 

Gunther Steiner said, via The Athletic

Mattia Binotto is currently off the F1 grid after being let go by Ferrari following a disappointing 2022 campaign despite initial hopes. Binotto’s replacement, Fred Vasseur has attempted to bring major changes within the team, most recently claiming the scarlet red squad lacks Red Bull’s “aggressiveness”.

Gunther Steiner claims competition is better in 2023 than ever before

Haas F1 experienced disappointment in 2023, finishing dead last in the Constructors’ Standings. With tyre degradation issues crippling the American squad throughout the season, they only managed 12 points across the whole campaign.

Despite this setback, team principal Gunther Steiner has positive words to say about the closeness of the field. Claiming that competition that it has ever been in F1, Steiner commended the cost cap for doing its job right after being introduced in the 2021 season.

There’s still a lot left to fight for. (The field) is closer together now than it ever was, and that is the biggest proof that the budget cap is working.

Gunther Steiner said, via The Athletic

The F1 field has come a lot closer in the midfield, with a four-way battle between drivers for fourth place in the championship going down to the last race in Abu Dhabi. However at front, Red Bull took a runaway championship with over 700 points scored.

In case you missed it:

• Valtteri Bottas admits ‘he was in denial’ about beating Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes
• Jos Verstappen claims ‘watching Max Verstappen is just as exciting as racing myself’

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW