Grosjean responds to Steiner leaving Haas F1: 'Don't know what happened'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Romain Grosjean worked with Guenther Steiner for five years, from 2016 to 2020. At Haas F1, the two were both there from the very beginning. The French driver left after 2020, and Steiner left three years later. Grosjean does not know why the team boss had to leave.
Grosjean said this in conversation with several media outlets, including Racefans.net. Last week, it was announced that Steiner will no longer lead Haas F1 in 2024. His contract was not renewed. Owner Gene Haas felt it was time for a new direction.
"I don't know what happened. I don't know more details than you do, but I wish Guenther all the best in his next chapter," Grosjean said.
Friends with Komatsu
Ayao Komatsu is Steiner's replacement. The Japanese boss started at Haas F1 in 2016 and is, therefore, familiar with the ins and outs of the team. He was Grosjean's race engineer during his time with the American formation.
"He's definitely a man that's got a lot of ideas and things to do, but for me the main thing is [I’m] very happy for Ayao," Grosjean said. "He's a very good friend of mine. I competed in every one of my 181 Formula 1 [races] with him working on my car somehow."
Komatsu and Grosjean had also worked together at Renault/Lotus and, later, Haas F1. "His kids are the same age as my kids, so we've been very good friends, and I'm excited for him. It's a huge challenge in front of him, but I'm excited for him.”