F1 experts question the ‘real reason’ Steiner left as Haas team boss.

Sky Sports F1 pundits Damon Hill and David Croft have questioned the “real reason” behind Gunther Steiner’s sudden departure as Haas team principal, both saying the sport has “recognized it has lost a ‘fantastic character'” .

Haas shocked the F1 world on Wednesday by announcing that Steiner’s tenure as team principal had ended with immediate effect. Ayao Komatsu, who stepped down as technical director when Steiner parted ways with Haas after 10 years, has been announced as the new leader for the 2024 season.

The charismatic 58-year-old will be sorely missed by F1 followers, particularly fans of the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, which showcased Steiner at his best both in and out of the paddock. Hill, the 1996 F1 champion, questioned why Haas decided to let Steiner go after he stood down as team principal.

“Günther has become somewhat of a celebrity because of the hit Netflix series [Drive to Survive] and his scenes, so it’s definitely a big deal,” he told Sky Sports. “He was very assertive, very confident and very confident in what he was saying. Maybe that’s part of the mix. He wants to win. “I don’t know exactly the reason for his departure, but it’s a huge loss for the sport because the fans loved him and he attracted people. He was controversial and he said it frankly: it’s impossible.” Get the results you want from Gene Haas.\”

“First of all, it’s Gene Haas’ team and Gunther Steiner got a lot of attention and I’m sure the team owner didn’t like that,” he said. “But that’s no reason to write someone off, last year’s performance could also be part of the picture. “For example, the way Nico Hulkenberg finished in the top 10 in qualifying on Saturday was great.

But part of the reason for his impressive qualifying performance was undermined by his road performance on Sunday, which left him behind in the field and could make him unpopular with owners like Gene Haas. “Gene Haas doesn’t want to finish last in the standings, so I think Gunther paid the price. “He has other business interests and I’m sure he will do well in those, but I agree with Damon: Formula 1 has lost a great character, a very popular character and a worldly man.” A little exercise.

“I think he was third in the team [in terms of promotions and airtime] behind Christian Horner and Toto Wolff. This is good for a sport where fans want to be associated with teams like Haas.

“I’m a neutral guy who really likes what Gunther stands for and brings that to the big guys. “I think we’ve lost a great character on the farm and I hope he comes back in a different form in the future.”