F1 News: Guenther Steiner Details 2023 Haas Regrets - "Tried To Hang On Too Long"

Guenther Steiner has revealed his regrets from the 2023 season after his shocking Haas exit.

In a recent interview with Autosport, Guenther Steiner, former Team Principal of Haas, reflected on his regrets from the 2023 F1 season, particularly the late upgrades to the VF-23. This candid admission comes shortly after Haas announced that Steiner's contract would not be renewed.

Key Takeaways:

• Delayed Upgrades: Steiner admitted that the team's upgrades to the VF-23 were late, acknowledging that changes should have been made earlier. He expressed regret over holding onto the old car concept for too long.
• Comparison with Rivals: The delay contrasted with faster responses by teams like Ferrari, who quickly moved away from outdated concepts. Haas' hesitation in adapting to new developments proved detrimental.
• Impact on Performance: Autosport sources indicated that Steiner's delayed decision-making on the 2023 development plan contributed to the team's struggles, particularly with tyre issues. The significant car overhaul arrived much later than competitors, impacting the team's performance.

During his interview with Autosport, Steiner provided insight into the team's challenges during the past season. He commented:

“Absolutely, it [the upgrade] was a little bit late.

“I would say, if I could go back, that’s what we should have done [made the car changes earlier]. Obviously now with hindsight, it’s obvious. I mean, it was change, but then it was not enough time anymore to do it good.

“When it was discovered that there was no performance in the old [in-wash] concept anymore, obviously as you said Ferrari, they changed quicker, and we tried to hang on maybe a little bit too long to the old concept.”

The situation at Haas was further complicated by the team's struggle to address its in-race tyre-chewing issue. This problem, coupled with delayed decision-making, meant that vital upgrades like sidepod alterations, engine cover bodywork, and floor changes were implemented much later in the season. 

Steiner's departure from Haas marks the end of an era for the team. His tenure saw a mix of successes and challenges, but it's his reflections on the 2023 season that offer valuable lessons for the team moving forward.