Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg gave tribute to former team boss Guenther Steiner after the American outfit confirmed his exit.
After Guenther Steiner’s shocking departure from Haas was confirmed, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen expressed their heartfelt appreciation to him for giving each of them a second shot in Formula 1.
The shocking revelation that team principal Steiner was also leaving Haas, came soon after it was reported that technical director Simone Resta had parted ways with the squad, with trackside engineering director Ayao Komatsu taking over as the new team boss.
Furthermore, team owner Gene Haas announced that a chief operating officer located in Europe will be appointed, tasked with overseeing all non-competition affairs.
Haas team drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg reacted on social media after learning of Steiner’s surprise resignation.
Upon joining the team in 2017, Magnussen began his first four-year tenure with Haas, which is most known for the famous and funny ‘fok smash door’ incident that was featured on Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
Magnussen would rejoin the team in advance of the 2022 season.
“Thanks, Günther,” Magnussen posted. “Thanks for taking me on the journey in 2017 and thanks for bringing me on board again in 2022.
“It has been both fun and tremendously challenging but never boring.
“So long and all the best.”
Hulkenberg experienced a similar situation, as Steiner had also given him a Formula One career lifeline at Haas.
Hulkenberg’s F1 career appeared to be limited to his few super-sub performances during his time at Racing Point and later under their current Aston Martin banner after he left the grid after the 2019 season.
Although he replaced Mick Schumacher at Haas and made a strong impression in his debut season with the team—the high point being qualifying for P2 at the Canadian Grand Prix—he returned to the grid full-time for Formula 1 in 2023.
Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to Steiner for their friendship as well as for the second chance in Formula 1.
“Thanks, Guenther,” he wrote. “For your trust, friendship and the opportunity to go racing in F1 again!
“You’re definitely a character.. all the best!”
Steiner’s statement after his shocking departure was not mentioned in the Haas team statement.
