Former Haas Team Principal Gunther Steiner, now the owner of the Tech3 MotoGP team, has delivered a scathing criticism of reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions McLaren, accusing the Woking-based outfit of complaining too much about its Mercedes power unit.
Too many complaints
Although he now focuses full-time on MotoGP as owner of the Tech3 team and mainly appears in Formula 1 as a commentator, Gunther Steiner has certainly not lost the trademark bluntness that made him famous during his time in the F1 paddock.
Since leaving his management role at Haas, the Merano-born executive has become one of the leading voices on The Red Flags podcast, where he discusses and analyses the biggest talking points in Formula 1.
Recently, Steiner turned his attention to McLaren, arguing that the reigning Constructors’ Champions have complained too often about the issues related to the Mercedes engine.
Since the start of the season, McLaren—along with the other Mercedes-powered customer teams—has suggested that although it receives the same power unit as the works Mercedes team, it has not been provided with the same level of know-how from Brixworth to extract its full potential. The team has also pointed to the reliability issues that have affected both Mercedes and all of its customer outfits.
A clear message
Steiner did not hold back when explaining what he believes McLaren should do to solve the problem once and for all.
“They are a car manufacturer; they should build their own engines,” Steiner said. “Because whenever something goes wrong, they always say, ‘Oh, the engine. Now we don’t have the same engine as Mercedes.’ They had problems with Renault back in the day. They had problems with Honda. There’s always something. At some point, they need to act like adults, and they have enough money.”
“Zak [Brown] is very good at promoting the team and bringing in sponsors,” Steiner continued. “So take that money, instead of putting it in the bank, and build your own engines. I mean, it would send a message. I also think it would be a great move from a commercial perspective for their road cars. That’s my opinion—they should give it a try.”
“Red Bull has done it, and it’s going pretty well. Audi has done the same. They’re a car manufacturer; they don’t want to buy a Ferrari engine. They want to be independent. They want to be taken seriously.”
Steiner acknowledged that designing and producing a Formula 1 engine is far from straightforward.
“Of course, building an engine isn’t easy,” he admitted. “But I think the first obstacle is money, and then it’s finding the right people, just as it is whenever you start a business or launch a new project. But at some point, if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting—and clearly they aren’t—you need to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.”
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