Former F1 drivers comment on Günther Steiner’s departure

In addition to the gratitude from his two former drivers, Günther Steiner has also received numerous messages from former Formula 1 drivers.

Among others, Romain Grosjean, Pietro Fittipaldi, and even Damon Hill, a consultant at Sky Sports, have reacted to the departure of Günther Steiner, former team principal of the Haas F1 Team.

Romain Grosjean, former Haas driver.

During the preseason press conference of his Indycar team, Juncos Hollinger Racing, French driver Romain Grosjean was asked about his former boss’s departure from Haas. Before discussing the departure of the team principal he had worked with between 2016 and 2020, the Frenchman firstly wanted to acknowledge his friend Ayao Komatsu, who has become the new team manager at Haas.

« I saw the news, like most of us. I am very happy for Komatsu, » the French said.

First of all, he is a very good friend of mine. I have participated in each of my 181 Formula 1 races with him, working on my car.

« His children are the same age as mine, so we are very good friends, and I am excited for him. He has a huge challenge ahead of him, but I am enthusiastic for him, he adds.

Grosjean still wanted to greet his former boss. “I don’t know what happened,” he admitted.

“I don’t have more details than you, but I wish Günther all the best in his next chapter,” said the French pilot.

« He is definitely a man with a lot of ideas and projects, but for me, the most important thing is that I am very happy for Ayao. », concluded Grosjean.

Pietro Fittipaldi, former Haas reserve driver.

The Brazilian driver, despite his former position as a reserve driver for the American team, had the opportunity to participate in two races in 2020 as a replacement for Grosjean after his terrible accident in Bahrain. He reacted on his social media platforms.

« I am very grateful for everything you have done for me, Günther! I have made great progress as a person and a driver by learning from you. Thank you for being an excellent boss, friend, and mentor. All my best thoughts to you, now and always! », posted Pietro Fittipaldi.

Very grateful for everything you have done for me Günther! I grew tremendously as a person and racing driver learning from you. Thank you for being a great boss, friend, and mentor. All the best wishes for you always! pic.twitter.com/VrJfqwIcKU

— Pietro Fittipaldi (@PiFitti) January 10, 2024

Damon Hill, world champion in 1996.

Finally, Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion and commentator, also spoke out about Steiner’s departure on Sky Sports. Günther has become a bit of a celebrity thanks to the famous Netflix series and the behind-the-scenes footage featuring him.

He is an imposing character. Very decisive, confident, and sure of what he says. Perhaps that’s part of the package. He wants to win, I don’t know what the real reason for his departure is, but it’s a real loss for the sport, said the 1996 world champion.

Damon Hill added: « Fans appreciated him, he attracted people, he was controversial, he spoke openly, but perhaps he did not achieve the results Gene Haas wanted.

« Günther was actually one of the masterminds behind the establishment of this entire structure, Gene was truly the investor »,” Hill concluded.

Günther Steiner has thus left a significant mark on the face of Formula 1, and we will wait to see if the Italian leader can bounce back elsewhere.