Guenther Steiner named as Miami GP Ambassador

Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has just landed a new role in F1, with the vibrant Italian being selected to serve as an ambassador for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.

After eight years at the helm of Haas, eponymous team owner Gene Haas opted for a leadership change at the US outfit, which has left Steiner off the F1 grid.

However, despite this setback, Steiner has been in demand in the F1 paddock.

In Bahrain earlier this month, he secured a new gig as a commentator for German broadcaster RTL, and last weekend in Australia he stepped in to conduct the top three driver interviews after the race.

Steiner’s no-nonsense attitude, sharp wit, and colorful language, memorably captured in Netflix's Drive to Survive series, has turned him into an unlikely F1 fan favorite, and practically into a household name in the US.

Read also: Steiner feels he stayed at Haas 'too long'

Steiner will now leverage his larger-than-life personality for the benefit of the promoters of F1’s Miami Grand Prix.

“I’m excited to serve as an Ambassador for the Miami Grand Prix, which has become one of my favourite races of the year,” commented the 58-year-old.

“I’ve seen first-hand the incredible growth Formula 1 has had in the United States and it has so much potential to continue growing, especially with races like Miami as part of the circuit.

“The event, which reflects the bold vision of the organisers, pairs American spectacle and F1 racing with a vibrant atmosphere at the track and throughout the city itself.”

Miami will host on May 5 its third F1 Grand Prix, with the 5.412 km Miami International Autodrome located around the Miami Dolphin’s Hard Rock Stadium serving as the venue for the glitzy event.

“Guenther has become a household name with F1 fans of all ages and is a perfect ambassador for our race,” added Miami GP president Tyler Epp.

“He embodies the competitive spirit of the sport and has a clear vision of what F1 in America can be.

“Having someone with his experience, reputation and candour attached to our event will undoubtedly add to the excitement and elevate race weekend to a new level.”

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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.