Team Principal

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Guenther Steiner was the team principal from Haas's debut in the 2016 season until his resignation in January 2024. Prior to the team's official entry, Steiner developed a formal business plan during the late-2000s economic recession, detailing the operational and financial model for a prospective Formula 1 team. According to Steiner, support from established Formula 1 figures, including Niki Lauda and Jean Todt, played a role in securing the necessary approval for the team's entry. Steiner was also the former Jaguar and Red Bull Racing technical director. He served as team principal for 10 years, overseeing the team's first race in 2016 where Romain Grosjean finished 6th at the Australian Grand Prix, making Haas the first American constructor to win points in its first F1 race. Steiner's tenure included the team's best season to date in 2018, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship, and the team's worst finish in 2021, scoring 0 points. He was replaced by Ayao Komatsu in January 2024.

In Their Own Story

In the late-2000s, during the economic recession, Guenther Steiner sat down to write a business plan. He mapped out the operational and financial model for a prospective Formula 1 team. He knew he needed support from established figures. Niki Lauda and Jean Todt backed the plan, helping secure the necessary approval for the team's entry. Years later, in January 2016, Steiner watched as Haas's new car passed the mandatory FIA crash tests. Then came Australia: Romain Grosjean finished 6th, scoring eight points. Haas was the first American constructor to win points in its first F1 race. Steiner stood on the pit wall, the plan he had written years ago now a reality.

Reader's Guide

The team principal role at Haas F1 Team has been held by two individuals. Guenther Steiner served from the team's inception in 2014 through January 2024. He was the former Jaguar and Red Bull Racing technical director. Steiner developed the formal business plan during the late-2000s economic recession, and secured support from Niki Lauda and Jean Todt to get the team's entry approved. Under Steiner, Haas debuted in 2016 with drivers Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutiérrez. The team's best season was 2018, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship. Their worst was 2021, scoring 0 points and finishing 10th. Ayao Komatsu replaced Steiner in January 2024.

Did You Know?

• Guenther Steiner developed the formal business plan for Haas during the late-2000s economic recession.
• Steiner secured support from Niki Lauda and Jean Todt to get the team's entry approved.
• Steiner was the former Jaguar and Red Bull Racing technical director before joining Haas.
• Steiner served as team principal for 10 years, from the team's inception until his resignation in January 2024.
• Ayao Komatsu replaced Guenther Steiner as team principal in January 2024.