Susy Douch, accompanied by two motor racing-loving teens and a friend, enjoy an interview with Guenther Steiner at the Forum
We had all previously visited the Art Deco former cinema that is the Bath Forum on several occasions for one of the variety of events, shows and performances hosted each year. Since it was opened in May 1934, it has been the venue for so many different events, but last night, it was Formula One racing that attracted the crowds with an appearance from Guenther Steiner, the Italian-American motorsport engineer and former team manager and Team Principal of Haas Formula One Team from 2016 to 2023.
The two teens in our group are already keen followers of racing, and in particular, F1 racing, so knew something of Guenther Steiner and his life story and had watched some of his recent Netflix expose series. However, my friend and I, were far less well informed!
Looking around the audience, it was clear that there were many super fans and avid followers, sporting branded racing shirts and hats, and with a strong (but not exclusive) male dominance and an average age of 30-55 years! Motor racing is a sport that often spans generations and has wide family appeal.
However, if you’re not a motor racing enthusiast, you might want to know who is Guenther Steiner? The evening and interview by James Hogg provided an entertaining, relaxed and friendly background of his life, historical account of his career (with all of its many twists and turns) and an insight into top level motorsport. From early on, the show covered, on Guenther’s career in F1, including a look behind the scenes at the stresses and successes of this thrilling sport.
The 45-day UK tour also covers the launch of his latest book, Unfiltered, but was far from typical book-publicity and marketing events, although copies of the book were available to purchase in the foyer. There had also been a Meet & Greet event separately ticketed prior to the show.
After a short interval during which the audience was invited to submit questions through an on-screen QR code, the interview resumed covering a large number of subjects. Guenther answered freely and openly offering his thoughts and opinions honestly, giving a real sense of his personality, the passions that have driven his career and the pride he had of the teams he helped to establish.
Ending to rapturous applause, this was a wonderful insight and a thoroughly entertaining evening. We returned home entertained and informed about life in this superfast sport where literally every second counts in the race to the podium prize.
For details of upcoming events at The Bath Forum, go to www.bathforum.co.uk
