Guenther Steiner leaves Haas

Guenther Steiner has left his role as Team Principal of the Haas F1 Team after 10 years at the helm. Following discussions with team owner Gene Haas, the Italian will be replaced by Ayao Komatsu, previously Director of Engineering at the US-based team.

It was a season to forget for Haas in 2023 as only four top 10 finishes across 22 races saw the team finish bottom in the Constructor’s Championship standings. The team went with Kevin Magnussen and Niko Hulkenberg as its drivers after using pay drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin in previous seasons to help finance the team and help it survive throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Steiner’s profile had risen in recent years after his entertaining appearances on Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, which gave an unprecedented behind the scenes insight into the world of Formula 1. His use of colourful language and jokey personality made him an instant fan favourite, helping draw eyes on Haas and the sport in general.

Before leaving Haas, Steiner was the third longest serving team principal behind Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Ayao Komatsu will now draw on over 20 years of experience in the sport - including a period at Renault - as he takes over the running of the team, having worked with Haas since they began in F1 in 2016, originally starting as Chief Race Engineer.

It was also announced that Haas technical director Simone Resta has left the team.

The 2024 F1 season begins in Bahrain on March 2nd.

words: Mike Booth