Grosjean: Netflix series reveals Steiner's 'no politics' management

©Haas

Romain Grosjean says that Netflix's popular 'Drive to Survive' series and its fly-on-the-wall approach revealed Haas team boss Guenther Steiner's preference for honesty over politics when solving the team's internal conflicts.

Steiner and his candid attitude towards his drivers and his outfit's issues were one of the highlights of the first season of DTS. But the Italian team manager's no-nonsense authority also comes clearly across in series 2.

At Silverstone, a miked-up but off camera Steiner is heard telling both Grosjean and teammate Kevin Magnussen, who had collided at the start of the race, in no uncertain terms that they had let the team down.

Grosjean says the memorable scene actually paid tribute to his outspoken boss's honesty in dealing with conflicts, a character trait in short supply in F1 according to the Frenchman.

Grosjean not taking Gene Haas' quit threats lightly

"There is no politics. There are no hidden things, and that's surprising for Formula 1," Grosjean said.

"If we look at these other teams, and what happens, you can tell that it's a very different situation.

"When Gunther is not happy, he would tell you. And it doesn't mean that he's angry against you.

"We've got a good relationship and we're friends, but outside he will tell you what is right and what is wrong.

"And you can also tell him what is right and what is wrong. That's the way we move."

©Haas

Grosjean is a big fan of Netflix's acclaimed series and its 'behind the scenes' chronicling of events, although the Frenchman wished that more exposure was given to the hard-working folk in the team's garage.

"I think it's great for the fans," he said. "I think it opens Formula 1 up to people that did not necessarily know about it, and the quality is incredible.

"If you ask me about the Haas episode, I would have liked to see a little bit more of the hard work from the boys behind the scenes.

"We all see the terrible situation that we were in, but I believe they could have been shown a little bit more of the actual work, that was done to try to jump out of the hole.

"I guess it wasn't in the scenario."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.