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Steiner to return to F1 paddock as punditry awaits

Guenther Steiner, the colorful former Haas team principal, is set to return to the paddock in a surprising new role: television pundit!

Just two months after his departure from the American outfit, Steiner will be swapping the pit wall for the broadcast booth, offering his unique insights and fiery personality to viewers as a commentator for German broadcaster RTL.

Steiner's foray into punditry begins at the Bahrain Grand Prix next week, but he’ll be lending his expertise to RTL at seven races throughout the 2024 F1 season.

Bur Steiner’s British fans will also benefit from the Italian’s presence at next month’s Australian Grand Prix where the ‘Drive to Survive’ star will be working with Channel 10.

Steiner's TV debut isn't entirely uncharted territory for the 58-year-old. He dipped his toes into the world of punditry last year at the NASCAR COTA event, offering his trademark bluntness and humor to American audiences.

Read also: Hulkenberg regrets Steiner's exit but will ‘move on’

RTL, clearly impressed by Steiner's potential, couldn't resist the opportunity to bring him on board.

"A real character" and "extremely popular with many Formula 1 fans," as RTL's Inga Leschek puts it, Steiner is sure to add a unique flavor to their coverage.

“With Guenther Steiner, we have succeeded in getting a long-standing manager and Formula 1 insider directly from the paddock in front of the RTL microphones, who will enrich our live broadcasts with up-to-date insights and plain language,” Leschek said.

©Haas

While his upcoling role as a commentator is a significant step, it might not be the end of the story for Steiner. His talks with other broadcasters and potential collaborators hint at a broader interest in media and entertainment.

“Formula 1 is competition at the highest level, on the racetrack and in the paddock,” he said.

“How are the drivers’ performances to be assessed and what does that mean for the organisations behind them? I’m looking forward to examining these processes with this strong on-air team [at RTL] and sharing my analysis of the racing action.”

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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.