Mercedes development driver hits out at Haas for not re-signing him with ‘zero points’ argument in 2016

Former Haas driver has slammed Gunther Steiner's decision to replace him due to a zero points tally in 2016.

Mercedes development driver hits out at Haas for not re-signing him with ‘zero points’ argument in 2016

Guenther Steiner (Via IMAGO)

The Haas F1 team entered Formula 1 in 2016. The American team signed Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutierrez for its debut year in the sport. However, Team Principal Gunther Steiner decided to replace Gutierrez with Kevin Magnussen for the following season. Gutierrez who went on to become a Mercedes development driver has now slammed Steiner’s decision.

The Mexican driver admitted that his relationship with the team simply didn’t work. Gutierrez claimed that he knew Gunther Steiner would point out his zero-points tally to replace him for 2017. The Mercedes development driver was disappointed with the team’s decision when Steiner cited this was for his sacking.

The relationship with Haas did not work, in general. It was clear that Guenther would end up using the results argument, which ended up disappointing me. I asked him why they did not consider renewing me as a pilot and his answer was, "because you have not added points."
Esteban Gutierrez told F1 Oversteer

Esteban Gutierrez insisted that he didn’t see this as a valid reason. The Mexican driver highlighted his P11 finishes for Haas that year when he narrowly missed out on points. Moreover, Gutierrez claimed that he had suffered from mechanical issues on multiple occasions when he could’ve brought some points home for the American team.

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For me it was disappointing, since I didn't see it as a valid reason. He had finished eleventh many times, very close to the points and was being quite consistent in race pace and also fast in ranking. When I had the opportunity to score points, I suffered mechanical failures.

Ultimately, the Mexican driver scored 0 points for Haas compared to 29 points scored by teammate Romain Grosjean in the 2016 season. In Formula 1 such a massive points deficit is enough for any team to replace an underperforming driver. Guiterrez reckoned that the team might’ve wanted to sign Nico Hulkenberg for 2016. However, it was forced to sign the Mexican driver after Hulkenberg declined such a move.

I don't think it was Haas' priority in 2016. I think they wanted Hülkenberg, but he said no and they came after me. I had a long conversation with Guenther, but from there, negotiations and contracts came really fast.

Haas on the backfoot after disappointing 2023 F1 season

The Haas team has shown glimpses of performance in the past two seasons including Kevin Magnussen’s pole position at the 2022 Brazilian GP. However, despite similar heroics by Nico Hulkenberg in Qualifying this season, the American team simply had no pace compared to its rivals in the races on Sunday.

Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg at the Saudi Arabian GP, image via Haas F1 team
Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg at the Saudi Arabian GP, image via Haas F1 team

Hulkenberg has been vocal about Haas’ failure in improving its car over the course of the season. The two Haas drivers were essentially sitting ducks during races as they dropped down the order. Moreover, Gunther Steiner might be about to lose the German driver with rumors about Audi’s interest in the 36-year-old.

Certainly, the Haas F1 team needs a lot of work to do before the start of the 2024 F1 season. The American team has received stable funding through its Moneygram partnership this year which could be channeled into its development efforts. Although, it remains to be seen if Gunther Steiner’s squad could improve next season.

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