STEINER AND CALADO STEAL THE SNOW
Autosport International’s new centrepiece was given unexpected extra billing when Guenther Steiner became headline news after his split from the Haas Formula 1 team.
Rumours about whether his recent unemployment status would jeopardise his appearance were swiftly set straight, and the Drive to Survive star’s outing piqued the interest of fans and journalists alike. Despite a vacant space in front of Steiner on the stage – a spot meant for a certain F1 team’s car – it didn’t mute his honest assessment of recent events in his forthright style.
With host Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft to bounce off and some spicy questions from fans, Steiner delved into what had occurred over the past few weeks, his favourite memories at Haas, and what his future holds. Also appearing on the main stage was a string of stars and their cars. James
Calado was joined by his Le Mans 24 Hourswinning Ferrari 499P as he recapped the highlight of the most recent motorsport year, and there was a look towards the new season when M-sport unveiled the
2024 WRC livery for its Ford Puma.
EX-F1 driver Jack Aitken and DTM boss Thomas Voss also popped by on the main stage, and former Indycar racer Callum Ilott chatted about his recent signing for Jota ahead of their 2024 World Endurance campaign with a Porsche 963. Stars closer to home also graced the main stage, including British Touring Car kings Ash Sutton, Tom Ingram and Colin Turkington, while 2023
Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young
Driver of the Year Joseph Loake reflected on a whirlwind few months.
The new format also enabled the cars to bring the noise. The featured machines roared into place at the main stage – the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series car a particularly deafening candidate – and over at the Live Action Arena, Birmingham’s NEC was left shaking to the cacophony of engines and exhausts.
Away from the commotion, a calmer pace was found in the Performance and Engineering halls, providing a showcase of innovations and motorsport wares. Bernie Collins hosted the Business Forum to gather insight into current and future affairs, from hydrogen and artificial intelligence in racing to how to get a big break in motorsport.