F1 News: Gene Haas Defends Guenther Steiner Exit - "Came Down To Performance"

Haas F1 team owner, Gene Haas, has spoken out on Guenther Steiner's shock exit as team principal.

Following the announcement from Haas that Guenther Steiner has stepped down as team principal, team owner Gene Haas has offered a critical evaluation of the team's recent performances. This decision, revealed on Wednesday, underscores a pivotal shift in the team's strategy and approach in Formula 1 racing.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Change: The departure of Guenther Steiner from Haas F1 follows a pointed critique by team owner Gene Haas, focusing on the team's underperformance. Although the official press release was diplomatically phrased, Haas' candid interview with Formula 1's website conveyed a more straightforward assessment.
• Struggling Performance Record: Haas F1, substantially funded by Gene Haas, has faced disappointments, notably finishing at the bottom in the 2023 constructors' championship. The team's lack of podium finishes in over 160 races has been a significant factor in the decision for a leadership shift.
• Need for a New Approach: Gene Haas expressed respect and fondness for Steiner but emphasised the need for improved results. The decision to part ways was driven by the team's unsatisfactory performance and Haas' desire for a fresh strategy and direction.

Under Guenther Steiner's leadership, the Haas F1 team has navigated through various challenges but has struggled to make a significant mark in the standings. The team owner, Gene Haas, has invested heavily in the team, aiming for higher achievements than what has been realised. Reflecting on the team's history, Haas highlighted the absence of any podium finish, underscoring a need for change.

Gene Haas' decision to move on from Steiner underscores his intention to revitalise the team's fortunes. He stated:

“It came down to performance. Here we are in our eighth year, over 160 races – we have never had a podium. The last couple of years, we’ve been 10th or ninth.

“I’m not sitting here saying it’s Guenther’s fault, or anything like that, but it just seems like this was an appropriate time to make a change and try a different direction, because it doesn’t seem like continuing with what we had is really going to work.

“I like Guenther, he’s a really nice person, a really good personality,” says Haas. “We had a tough end to the year. I don’t understand that, I really don’t. Those are good questions to ask Guenther, what went wrong. At the end of the day, it’s about performance. I have no interest in being 10th anymore.”