Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner’s new book ‘Unfiltered’ tells a shocking story

Former Haas Formula 1 team boss Guenther Steiner is promoting his new book, ‘Unfiltered’, which chronicles his journey with the American team from his Formula 1 debut in 2016 to the announcement of his departure in January this year . In a chapter titled “Gene’s Beans,” Steiner makes a startling claim that he insists is entirely true.

The narrative revolves around Haas team owner Gene Haas, with whom Steiner has collaborated closely over the years. However, their relationship reached a new level after Haas finished the 2023 season bottom of the Constructors’ Championship.

Although Steiner pointed to Gene’s lack of funding as a factor in the team’s declining performance, Gene responded that the limited potential for improvement within the team prevented him from making additional investments. He believed that positive results were essential to motivate him to allocate more resources.

While the 59-year-old team principal was replaced by the team’s engineering director Ayao Komatsu, Steiner has since been busy with commentary duties for various channels during Formula 1 race weekends. Known for his candid opinions and A colorful character, Steiner has always been a fan favorite, which has earned him a prominent public role.

However, he prefers to call himself “a very busy, unemployed guy,” as he told The Athletic, where he talks about his bitter relationship with Gene, which worsened after Steiner was informed by phone about his dismissal.

It wasn’t just the firing itself that hurt Steiner, but the way it occurred. This experience led him to discuss his next book, which kept him busy during a 25-day promotional trip around the UK. According to the report, Steiner’s feelings toward Gene are mentioned throughout the book, which is dedicated to his family and everyone associated with Haas, both past and present – “Except you, Gene!!”

Speaking about the story of “Gene’s Beans,” Steiner revealed how he was served baked beans on a private jet when he ordered food. However, when he finally refused to receive the grain, Gene, who was also on the plane, suggested that the grain be taken back to the factory as he did not want it to go to waste. Steiner, surprised by his comment, emphasized that it was a true story. He said:

“This is real.

“I told the ghostwriter this story and he said, ‘Are you making this up?’ I said, ‘No, that’s true! That’s what I lived for 10 years!’

“You read ‘Gene’s Beans’ and you know who you’re dealing with.” (sic)

Haas chose not to comment on the anecdote or the book.