The first major news out of the Formula 1 paddock in 2024 broke yesterday, with the surprise exit of long-time Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner.
Drivers past and present of the team since it became an entrant to the F1 grid in 2016 have reacted to the Italian-American’s departure unexpected departure.
Steiner had been with the team since its inception in 2014 and had a huge role in getting Haas onto the grid for its F1 debut two years later.
However, Steiner has left the team a decade into his journey with the American outfit, with team owner Gene Haas displeased with the squad’s current form.
Ayao Komatsu has been promoted from within to become Steiner’s replacement and the likes of Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg, Pietro Fittipaldi and Romain Grosjean have shared their thoughts.
Magnussen, who joined the team in 2017 and returned to the driver lineup after a year’s hiatus in 2022, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Thanks, Günther,” began the Danish driver’s remarks.
“Thanks for taking me on the journey in 2017 and thanks for bringing me on board again in 2022.
“It has been both fun and tremendously challenging – but never boring. So long and all the best.”
Hulkenberg, whom Steiner granted a first full-time F1 drive since 2019, also wrote on the popular social media platform.
“Thanks, Guenther. For your trust, friendship and the opportunity to go racing in F1 again,” said Hulkenberg.
“You’re definitely a character.. all the best!”
Also writing a tribute to the departing team principal on X was long-serving Haas reserve driver Pietro Fitipaldi who wrote: “Very grateful for everything you have done for me Guenther!
“I grew tremendously as a person and racing driver learning from you.
“Thank you for being a great boss, friend, and mentor. All the best wishes for you always!”
Grosjean, who drove with the team from its debut grand prix in 2016 – scoring a remarkable sixth-place finish – until the conclusion of the 2020 season was asked about the Haas Team Principal news during IndyCar’s preseason media day.
The Juncos Hollinger driver responded first in paying tribute to his former engineer Komatsu, who was by Grosjean’s side for the entirety of his F1 career.
“Yeah, I saw the news as most of us,” Grosjean said.
“Very happy for Komatsu. First of all, he’s a very good friend of mine.
“I’ve competed at every of my 181 Grand Prix in Formula 1 with him working on my car somehow.
“His kids are the same age as my kids, so we’ve been very good friends, and I’m excited for him.
“It’s a huge challenge in front of him, so I’m excited for him.
“I don’t know what happened,” Grosjean added.
“I don’t know more details than you do, but I wish Guenther all the best in his next chapter.
“He’s definitely a man that’s got a lot of ideas and things to do, but for me the main thing is very happy for Ayao.”
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