Guenther Steiner Departs Haas F1 Team as Performance Takes Center Stage

Gene Haas, the owner of the Haas Formula One team, has revealed that on-track performance was the main factor behind Guenther Steiner’s departure as team principal. Steiner’s contract was not renewed, and his role will be taken over by former director of engineering, Ayao Komatsu. This surprising decision means that 2024 will mark the first season without Steiner at the helm of the Haas team.

Haas explained that the team’s continuous lack of success, including the absence of a single podium finish in their eight-year history and consistently placing last or second-last in recent years, led them to opt for a different direction. The team’s poor performance resulted in a tenth place finish in the constructors’ standings in 2023, which translates to a significant loss of approximately $20 million in prize money. Haas emphasized the need to improve their ranking, not only to attract sponsors but also to receive higher Formula One Management prize money.

Although Haas acknowledged that it is not solely Steiner’s fault, he believes that it was the right time for a change. Haas expressed his confidence in the team’s capabilities, given their excellent drivers, powerful Ferrari engines, and state-of-the-art hardware. However, he recognized that their aero program needs improvement, as it remains their weakest aspect. Haas believes that their constant humiliation on the track must be addressed, prompting the decision for a fresh approach.

Choosing Ayao Komatsu as Steiner’s replacement was a deliberate move by Haas. He expressed his preference for promoting from within the team, in line with his successful strategy at Haas Automation. Haas cited the familiarity and understanding of the team’s day-to-day operations as key reasons behind this decision, rather than bringing in external individuals who may disrupt the established framework.