Ex-Ferrari Design Chief leaves Haas F1 after disagreements with team owner Gene Haas

Simone Resta was on loan from Ferrari to the Haas F1 team.

Ex-Ferrari Design Chief leaves Haas F1 after disagreements with team owner Gene Haas

Simone Resta [L] Gunther Steiner [R] (images via IMAGO)

The Haas F1 team failed to make the most out of its car in 2023. The American outfit struggled to hold ground on Sundays with a string of disappointing results in the latter half of the year. Gene Haas‘ squad needs to bounce back in the upcoming season with a better car concept. However, the team has faced a major setback as Technical Director Simone Resta has reportedly walked out.

Resta moved from Ferrari to Haas in 2021 after the Prancing Horse helped the American team establish a design office in Italy. The 53-year-old had previously served as the chief designer at Maranello and even had a stint at Alfa Romeo. The Haas F1 team was believed to have gained significantly from Simone Resta’s arrival. However, the American squad has struggled with its car design over the past two seasons.

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As per reports, Resta had arguments with team owner Gene Haas over the 2024 car. The 53-year-old seemed to have lost motivation after this conversation and decided to leave his role. It must be noted that Simone Resta was loaned from Ferrari to the American team. It is unclear if the ex-Ferrari designer will return to the Italian squad.

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Haas might be in serious trouble after Simone Resta’s departure

The American team had a lot of things to solve over the winter break. Nico Hulkenberg had been vocal about Haas’ shortcomings in terms of in-season upgrades last season. Subsequently, the Gunther Steiner-led squad needed to get the car concept right before the start of the 2024 season and tackle some underlying issues.

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen (Via IMAGO)
Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen (Via IMAGO)

However, Simone Resta’s departure could have a massive impact on the team. The American squad only has a few weeks to find a replacement before pre-season testing commences. Moreover, a new Technical Director would need to fill in Resta’s shoes and lead the design into a new direction from the get-go.

Certainly, the Haas F1 team would need to find a way to get things back on track before the start of the 2024 season. The American squad needs to ensure a consistent campaign in 2024 to keep Hulkenberg on board. As the German driver has been rumored to be considering a move to the Stake F1 team in 2025 before Audi’s takeover the following season.

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