Haas has fired Guenther Steiner, the star of the Formula One series Drive to Survive.
After his X-rated rants on the popular Netflix series, the 58-year-old Italian developed a cult following.
But owner Gene Haas has relieved Steiner of his duties effective immediately, ending his tenure as the American team’s team principal.
Since Haas’s 2016 Formula One debut, Steiner has served as the team’s principal. However, they only collected points at four of the 22 races they participated in, finishing 10th and last in the most recent constructors’ championship.
Ayao Komatsu, a Japanese graduate of Loughborough University who has been elevated from his position as trackside engineering director, will take his place.
Gene Haas stated, “Going forward as an organization, it was clear we need to improve our on-track performances.”
With the selection of Ayao Komatsu as team principle, our management essentially places engineering at its core.
“Although we have seen some success, we must continue to produce outcomes that support our organization’s larger objectives.
“I am excited to collaborate with Ayao and make sure that we reach our full potential. This is a true reflection of my desire to compete well in Formula One.”
“I want to thank Guenther Steiner for all of his hard work over the last ten years and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
In addition to publishing his own book last year, Steiner gained notoriety from Netflix thanks to reports that he will be producing a fictional comedy programme with a sports theme for US channel CBS.
Last month, Steiner asserted in a Sky Sports interview that his extracurricular involvement did not interfere with his function as team principal.
It’s a delicate balance, so you have to watch out that it doesn’t take too long, he said. However, it didn’t take long to write the book.
“I always made an effort to accomplish it while occupied with other tasks. I make an effort to work very efficiently, and I won’t be appearing in any comedies on CBS.
“Both technically and monetarily, every member of the team is doing well. Although we had a difficult season the previous year, we might be in the top midfield spot in 2024.
In Bahrain, the new season begins on March 2.
