WHAT HAAS JUST HAPPENED?

Earlier today it was announced that HAAS has parted ways with Guenther Steiner, one of the longest serving team principals in the F1 grid. A key person in the formation of the team and in Netflix's Drive to Survive series. So where has it all gone wrong?

Formula 1 tries its best to be as competitive as possible while being a likable sport. I believe that Guenther's personality was well received by the sport, fans, and teams. HAAS has had one of best personnel retention and his personality has shown on TV.

I believe what the decision eventually came down to was the results of the team. In his tenure the team has entered 166 Races and achieved only 249 points, 1 pole position, and 2 fastest laps. That was in the span of 8 years. With their best finish being 5th in 2018. While finishing 8th, 9th, and 10th in every other season. There definitely was highs and lows for the team with him in charge but now the team is headed in a new direction with Ayao Komatsu taking over.

Ayao Komatasu has been with the team since 2016 so the team and staff will know him already. He will just have to settle in his new role as Team Principal after being an Engineering Director for so long. There is now way of knowing where they will finish in 2024 and I don't believe there will be a lot of pressure in his first two seasons.

A realistic goal for HAAS? I think it has be to finish 7th or better in the Constructor's Championship. I believe their direct rivals will have to be Alpha Tauri, Stake F1, and Williams. Wether they can beat any of them is up in the air but they should at least make sure their car can not just be good in qualifying but good in a race.

As for Guenther, I can definitely see him being part of the sport again in some way shape or form. One thing is for certain, wherever he goes there will be smiles.