Guenther Steiner, the long-standing Team Principal of Haas, has stepped down from his role. Steiner, who has been a pivotal figure for the Haas F1 Team since its entry into Formula 1 in 2016, leaves the team effective immediately.
This announcement comes as a surprise to many, considering Steiner's integral role in establishing Haas as a competitive team in Formula 1. During his tenure, Steiner guided the team to its peak performance, notably achieving fifth place in the Constructors' Championship in 2018.
Despite these accomplishments, the team has struggled in recent seasons, often finding themselves towards the bottom of the standings. The previous season ended with Haas at the lowest rung in the Constructors' Championship.
In response to this shift, Ayao Komatsu, formerly the Director of Engineering, has been appointed as the new Team Principal. This change marks a strategic move, placing a greater emphasis on engineering prowess at the forefront of the team's management.
Gene Haas, the team owner, expressed his gratitude towards Steiner for his decade-long commitment and hard work. He also emphasized the team's need for improvement on the track, indicating that Komatsu's engineering background is pivotal for Haas's future direction and success in Formula 1.
