WATCH: F1 pundits claim F1 lost a ‘massive character’ after Guenther Steiner’s exit from Haas

Guenther Steiner led the Haas F1 team since the team's foundations were laid down in the 2010s.

WATCH: F1 pundits claim F1 lost a ‘massive character’ after Guenther Steiner’s exit from Haas

Guenther Steiner (Via IMAGO)

Guenther Steiner had served as the Haas Team Principal since the team was established in the 2010s. Although the 58-year-old might not have achieved many highlights with the American outfit. Steiner was a crucial part of the grid due to his personality in the paddock. Hence, the ‘Drive To Survive’ star leaving the sport was a big shock for everyone in the paddock.

F1 pundits, David Croft and Damon Hill hence shared their piece of mind over the 58-year-old’s shocking exit from the sport. Hill explained the situation and recalled how Steiner got more popularity due to the mega-famous Netflix series Drive to Survive. Additionally, The Briton highlighted that Guenther Steiner was a very decisive and confident personality on the grid and praised his personality. 

Guenther became bit of a celebrity thanks to the Netflix Series. Absolutely a huge character... I don't know what the real reason is for the departure but it is a big loss I think to the sport because fans liked him, he attracted people and he was controversial.
Damon Hill told Sky Sports F1.
YouTube video

In addition to Hill’s comment, David Croft backed him by siding with the British analyst. Crofty claimed that F1 lost a ‘massive character’ and also a very popular character. Subsequently, Croft asserted that Steiner was the third team principal in terms of publicity and media exposure.

FS Video
Formula 1 has lost a massive character, a very popular character, and someone who transcended the sport somewhat. He was No 3 team principal behind Christian Horner and Toto Wolff [in terms of publicity and media exposure].

Ayao Komatsu replaces Gunther Steiner as Haas Team Principal

After a dead-last finish from Haas in the 2023 season, the leadership changes were not unexpected. Hence, after a good service of eight seasons, the Italian-American was replaced by Ayao Komatsu for the principal’s position at Haas. Even Komatsu has been serving the American outfit since their inception with F1 back in 2016.

Guenther Steiner and Ayao Komatsu (via The Race).
Guenther Steiner and Ayao Komatsu (via The Race).

Ayao Komatsu began his journey with the team as the Chief Race Engineer, and he progressed through the ranks, ultimately earning promotion to the position of Director of Engineering at the Haas racing team. Additionally, Komatsu has been in the sport for almost 20 years, as the Japanese served BAR and Renault before his stint with Haas.

Hence after Komatsu’s promotion from the Director of Engineering, Haas is now searching for a European-based Chief Operating Officer overlooking the non-competitive part of the American constructor in Formula 1

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