Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner unveils untold secrets behind writing of his first book

Guenther Steiner’s book ‘Surviving to Drive’ delves into Haas' remarkable Formula 1 comeback.

Guenther Steiner (Image credit: WWOS)

Surviving to Drive—a clever linguistic twist on the popular series “Drive to Survive”—emerges as the highly anticipated Formula 1 book of the current time. Authored by Guenther Steiner, the book takes readers on an enthralling journey through the tumultuous 2022 season of the Haas Formula 1 Team. However, in a recent interview, the Haas team principal unveiled the tale of ‘Surviving to Drive.’

Guenther Steiner revealed that he didn’t write the book himself, but James Hogg did. Hogg is a collaborator, ghostwriter, and biographer specializing in sports and entertainment. Initially hesitant about the idea of a book on himself, Steiner found autobiographies boring. However, Hogg’s persistence convinced him otherwise. Hogg had experience writing about motorsport figures and envisioned a different kind of book, leading to their collaboration.

“It was also his [James Hogg] idea to make a book. Of course, I never thought of that myself. When he contacted me to talk about a book, I initially thought: yes, I’m really not going to make a book about myself. An autobiography can be pretty boring, you know? But he kept insisting,” Formularapida quotes Steiner.

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Also read: Nico Hulkenberg claims Haas’ car troubles could be long-term

Guenther Steiner sheds light on Zak Brown’s desire to write an autobiography

Guenther Steiner and Nikita Mazepin (Image credit: Autosport)

In April 2023, Haas’ eventful past, especially in early 2022, can be forgotten. Guenther Steiner highlights their COVID-impacted struggles from 2020-21, ongoing recovery, technical changes, and the Nikita Mazepin-Uralkali saga. They faced reliability issues and freight delays before Race 1 of 22 commenced. A rollercoaster journey that shaped the American team’s path in Formula 1. However, Steiner seems not keen on writing a second book anytime soon.

Steiner said that he is not currently planning a book. He mentioned that he is unpredictable with plans. However, he indicated that McLaren’s Zak Brown would be writing one, as he claimed to be a skilled writer and expressed a desire to publish his book. Steiner stated that he doesn’t think he will write a book himself.

Kevin Magnussen is asked if he’s read Guenther Steiner’s new book:

“No, he didn’t give me a copy.”

?#F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/WwewblWEql
— Autosport (@autosport) April 27, 2023

“Not planning that one at the moment? You never know with me what is next,” said Guenther. “But I think that Zak said that he will be writing one, because he told me that he’s a very good writer, so he wants to bring it to the public his book. No, I don’t think so,” the Italian further continued.