Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg have conveyed their appreciation to departing Haas F1 team principal Günther Steiner, acknowledging him for their re-entry into Formula 1 after periods of absence from the grid.
The news of Steiner and Haas parting ways with immediate effect, with Ayao Komatsu stepping in, was announced on Wednesday. Steiner, who had been leading the team since their F1 entry in 2016, was widely admired in the F1 community, not only for his role but also for his personality, spotlighted in Netflix’s Drive To Survive. He held the distinction of being the third-longest-serving team principal on the grid, trailing only Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing) and Toto Wolff (Mercedes F1).
Subsequent to the announcement, Haas F1 drivers Magnussen and Hulkenberg, both under contract until the end of 2024, expressed their gratitude to Steiner through their social media channels.
Magnussen, who had a longstanding collaboration with Steiner, marking the upcoming 2024 season as his seventh with Haas, shared his sentiments on Instagram. “Thank you, Günther,” he wrote. “Thank you for taking me on this adventure in 2017 and for taking me on it again in 2022. It has been both fun and extremely challenging – but never boring. Goodbye, and good luck for the future.”
Hulkenberg also extended his thanks to Steiner, appreciating the opportunity to return to full-time F1 racing after serving as a reserve driver for Racing Point and Aston Martin F1 in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons. “Thank you, Günther,” the German posted. “For your trust, friendship, and the opportunity to go racing in F1 again! You are definitely quite a character… good luck for the future!”
Haas’ long-time reserve driver, Pietro Fitipaldi, joined in expressing gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful for everything you have done for me, Günther! I have grown tremendously as a person and a racing driver by learning from you. Thank you for being an excellent boss, friend, and mentor. Best wishes to you!”
It’s noteworthy that Günther Steiner has not officially commented on his departure as of yet. An official statement is expected this weekend, as he is scheduled to be a guest speaker at the Autosport International show in England, despite the recent announcement, adding anticipation to the conference.
