Romain Grosjean, former Haas Formula 1 driver, has shared his reaction to the recent changes in the team’s leadership as the new season approaches.
Haas, based in Kannapolis, announced this week that Guenther Steiner will not be resuming his role as Team Principal in the upcoming 2024 season. Taking over is Ayao Komatsu, who was promoted from his position as Director of Engineering, a role he has held since the team’s inception in 2016.
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Grosjean, who has extensive experience working with Komatsu, including when Komatsu was his race engineer at Lotus before they both moved to Haas, has reflected on the change. Grosjean raced for the American team from 2016 until his departure following a severe crash towards the end of the 2020 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Though Grosjean admits to being unaware of Steiner’s exit details, he expressed his pleasure at Komatsu’s elevation, highlighting their shared history and successes.
“I don’t know what happened,” Grosjean said.
“I don’t know more details than you do, but I wish Guenther all the best in his next chapter.
“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.”
A daunting task ahead
After leaving Formula 1 after the 2020 season, Grosjean transitioned to competing in IndyCar, joining Juncos Juncos Hollinger Racing.
Despite his move away from F1, Grosjean maintains a close friendship with Komatsu. As the newly appointed leader of Haas, the Tokyo-born engineer faces the significant task of revitalising the team from its lower-grid position. Grosjean describes this responsibility as a “huge challenge.”
“Yeah, I saw the news as most of us, I’m very happy for Komatsu,” the Frenchman said.
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“First of all, 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.
“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.”
Source: RacingNews365
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