Guenther Steiner fired by Haas with immediate effect

In a shock move, long-time Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner has departed the squad, with the American outfit announcing his immediate exit.

Taking over the reins is Ayao Komatsu, who has been promoted from his previous role as trackside engineering director to become Haas' new team principal ahead of the 2024 season.

Komatsu's appointment comes just hours after the news broke that Haas technical director Simone Resta had also left the team.

This latest shake-up leaves Haas with an all-new management structure to spearhead their 2024 campaign, which requires significant improvement following their dismal 10th place finish in last year's Constructors' Championship.

Chronology of Events

• Hours after Resta's exit, confirmation comes through that Steiner, a pivotal figure at Haas since 2014, is also out.
• Komatsu promoted from within to replace Steiner as new Haas team principal. Brings continuity.
• Immediate effect - Steiner no longer involved in team's operations.

Komatsu's Reaction

The Japanese engineer expressed excitement at the "opportunity to be team principal", having been with Haas since their 2016 debut.

Emphasized his passion for the team's success and eagerness to build an improved "on-track product".

Cited the organization's immense support and capabilities while stating their recent lack of competitiveness has been a "source of frustration".

Confident the "great team" across bases in Kannapolis, Banbury and Maranello can deliver improved results together under his guidance.

Haas' Vision

Besides appointing Komatsu, Haas confirmed a new European-based COO will be brought in to handle all non-competition matters.

This role's key focus areas include commercial partners and internal personnel.

Their restructuring initiatives indicate a clear intention to bolster performances after finishing last in 2023.

Haas' statement notably lacked any quotes from the outgoing Steiner.

Haas heads into 2024 with an overhauled management setup, hoping fresh ideas can lift them from the doldrums of the championship's lower reaches.

Led by their newly installed team principal Ayao Komatsu, the American squad will be aiming to recreate the kind of fifth-place form that marked their promising 2018 campaign.