Brundle highlights 'friction' at Haas after Steiner exit

Ex-Formula 1 driver-turned-pundit Martin Brundle has suggested that there is obvious friction within Haas amid Guenther Steiner's exit.

Earlier this week, the Kannapolis-based squad announced that the Italian would not return to his position for the upcoming campaign.

In his place is the team's former Director of Engineering Ayao Komatsu who will now spearhead Haas' F1 project.

Steiner has been the Team Principal at Haas ever since it made its on-track debut at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix.

However, performances of late have been lacklustre, with Haas finishing bottom of the Constructors' Championship twice in the last three years.

Confirmation of Steiner's Haas departure came through a press release on January 10.

While team owner Gene Haas thanked Steiner for his contribution to the team, the release featured no comments from Steiner himself.

Taking to social media, Brundle highlighted that it's a clear indication that the split was not a smooth break-up.

“Always significant when the departing person is not quoted in the press release, tells you there’s friction, suspect we’ll hear more about this,” he said.

“The team hasn’t progressed in recent seasons, but hard to know exactly why without being on the inside.

“Good luck Guenther. And Haas.”