After the 2023 season, Haas decided to part ways with Guenther Steiner.
Guenther Steiner couldn’t resist a chirp at his former team Haas after Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were disqualified from qualifying in Monaco for a rear wing infringement.
During the qualifying session at the Monte Carlo street circuit, the team-mates found themselves in the midst of the midfield competition. Hulkenberg secured a 12th place finish, while Magnussen came in 15th.
The Haas team-mates were disqualified from the Monaco qualifying results
However, their efforts on Saturday came to nought when both Haas drivers were disqualified for a rear wing infringement in post-qualifying scrutineering.
“The Technical Delegate discovered on examination that the uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions exceeded the maximum allowed under Article 3.10.10.h of the Technical Regulations of 85mm,” read the stewards’ report.
“The team clarified that the wing flap gap was mistakenly set due to an inadvertent error on their part, resulting in this consequence.”
The wing utilized in Monaco was a fresh design, marking its first-ever usage. The previous design had been modified to adhere to regulations, ensuring the greatest distance between the wing’s center and the gaps met compliance standards.
The largest gap in the wing was found at the extremities under the new design. However, the team had not provided training to its mechanics on how to adjust the gap according to the new design, leading to a failure to comply with the specifications.
Unable to resist, Steiner took to his Instagram story to slyly comment on the news.
He wrote, “Is anyone interested in borrowing my tape measure?”
After achieving a disappointing P10 in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship, Steiner was dismissed from his role as Haas team boss. He received the news through a short phone call from Gene Haas himself, the Italian disclosed.
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Hulkenberg concedes that in order to secure points, the Haas team-mates will have to rely on chaos as they begin the Grand Prix from the pit lane.
“On Instagram, he expressed his immense effort today,” he wrote on Saturday evening. “P12 wasn’t too shabby, but regrettably, we didn’t pass the rear wing inspection, resulting in a pitlane start.”
“Need a crazy one tomorrow.”
His teammate, Magnussen, expressed his disappointment, stating that they were “pretty gutted” about the situation. He further explained that both cars would have to start the Monaco Grand Prix from the pitlane due to a technical compliance failure.
“Let’s exert a strong effort to maximize its potential.”
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