For many motorsport fans, the high-speed world of Formula 1 is a distant, glamorous dream that roars to life from the comfort of a TV screen. But in the picturesque town of Merano, Italy, there’s a place where the thrill of F1 comes alive in a truly unique way: Villa Steiner.
This F1-themed villa is the brainchild of Gunther Steiner, the charismatic and famously candid former Team Principal of the Haas F1 Team. It’s a rare opportunity for fans and travelers alike to connect with the sport in an entirely new setting—one that combines the excitement of racing with the elegance of the Alpine countryside.
Villa Steiner isn’t just another F1 tribute; it’s a personal project for Steiner, who has infused his retreat with the same passion, humor, and authenticity that made him a standout figure in the paddock.
These boutique accommodations allow guests to delve into motorsport history, surrounded by stunning Dolomite views and the charm of Merano’s historic streets.
Gunther Steiner’s F1 Legacy
Gunther Steiner is renowned for his no-nonsense demeanor and candid personality. As the team principal of the Haas F1 team, he became a household name in Formula 1.
Joining the American team when it debuted in the sport in 2016, Steiner was crucial in building Haas from the ground up. Under his leadership, Haas achieved impressive results early on.
It became the first new team in F1 to score points on debut since the 2002 Australian Grand Prix when Mika Salo finished sixth for Toyota. Steiner set the tone for what would be a dynamic and often unpredictable journey in the paddock.
Despite being one of the grid’s smallest teams, Haas finished 5th in the Constructors’ Championship in 2018—a remarkable achievement for an independent team with limited resources.
Steiner’s tenure was marked by his unfiltered, sometimes humorous commentary, which gained global attention through the hit Netflix series Drive to Survive. His straightforward approach, sharp wit, and passion for the sport made him a favorite among F1 fans, adding a layer of personality rarely seen in high-stakes racing.
While Villa Steiner is far removed from the frenetic pace of the F1 paddock, his signature blend of determination, humor, and authenticity lives on in his alpine retreat. It offers guests a deeper look into the man behind the Haas F1 Team’s success story.
Life After Haas
Since leaving the Haas F1 Team in late 2023, Gunther Steiner has embraced a different pace of life—one that still involves high-octane passion but is centered around family, personal projects, and a deep love for his hometown of Merano, Italy.
While the fiery Team Principal is no longer involved in Formula 1’s intense race weekends, he hasn’t fully stepped away from the sport. Steiner remains a prominent figure in the motorsport world, frequently participating in media engagements and as a commentator on the evolving dynamics of F1.
Steiner has poured his heart into Villa Steiner, accommodations that blend his personal history with his lifelong love for racing. Opening this unique F1-themed retreat has allowed him to share his passion with fans, offering a peek into the man behind the famous expletives and candid interviews.
The villa has become a labor of love for Steiner, giving him a chance to curate an experience that reflects his journey, from the circuits of F1 to the serene streets of Merano.
A Racing-Inspired Escape in Merano
At the heart of Villa Steiner lies a blend of luxury, motorsport passion, and personal touches that could only come from Gunther Steiner himself. This boutique villa features five thoughtfully designed suites, each paying homage to a legendary Grand Prix circuit:
- Singapore
- Silverstone
- Monte-Carlo
- Suzuka
- Melbourne
Each suite is equipped with a range of amenities. Guests can expect luxurious bed linens, modern ensuite bathrooms with Laas marble and rain shower, wooden floors with underfloor heating, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Some suites even offer private balconies with views of the Dolomites or the quaint streets of Merano.
Merano, Italy: The Perfect Backdrop
The town of Merano in the Trentino–Alto Adige region of Italy looks like it was pulled straight from a postcard. This alpine town is surrounded by the majestic Dolomites and is known for its undeniable blend of Austrian and Italian influences. Merano has a mild climate, vibrant promenades, lush gardens, and historic thermal baths and has long been a favored retreat for wellness seekers and nature lovers.
The decision to open Villa Steiner here wasn’t just a matter of hometown pride for Gunther Steiner—it was a deliberate choice to fuse the thrill of F1 with one of Italy’s most beautiful towns.
As Steiner himself grew up in Merano, he wanted to create a unique guest experience that would reflect his personal journey and the contrasting energies of fast-paced Formula 1 and the relaxed alpine lifestyle of Merano.
Steiner was drawn to the town’s ability to offer visitors a taste of everything—gourmet cuisine, local vineyards, traditional spas, and outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The atmosphere makes it an ideal location to host his one-of-a-kind accommodations, where F1 aficionados and leisure travelers alike can find common ground.
While Villa Steiner is deeply infused with Gunther Steiner’s personality, catching a glimpse of the man himself might be more of a lucky surprise than a guarantee. Steiner is not permanently based there as he juggles his F1 commitments and other ventures.
But even if he’s not physically present, Steiner’s spirit certainly is: from the racing memorabilia to the thoughtful design of each suite, guests will feel as though they’re in the company of a motorsport legend throughout their stay.
The cost of a stay at Villa Steiner varies by suite, ranging from €120 to €350 ($130-$380 US dollars) per night, depending on the room and the season.
Villa Steiner provides a unique opportunity for travelers to experience the world of Formula 1 in an elegant, intimate setting that feels like home—if home came with a dash of motorsport magic.
Author
Casandra Karpiak is a full-time, nationally syndicated travel writer and luxury travel expert. A regular contributor to the Associated Press wire, Blox Digital and an MSN Direct Publisher, she has bylines on CBS, NBC, FOX, 24/7 Wall St, Entrepreneur, and many more. Casandra primarily focuses on luxury accommodations and resorts, yachts & super yachts, small ship cruise lines, luxury family travel, sports tourism and the intersection of wine and travel.