Haas suffer blow as key technical figure departs F1 team

Haas has been struck with a blow ahead of the new Formula 1 campaign as it is reported that its Technical Director Simone Resta has left the team.

Motorsport Italy reports that the 53-year-old is likely to either return to Ferrari or take up a position at the Stake team.

It has been suggested that Resta was not aligned with the development scheme implemented by team owner Gene Haas.

The US-owned squad endured a difficult 2022 campaign as it fell to the bottom of the Constructors' Championship, scoring just 12 points.

The VF-23 car often displayed strong pace across one lap in qualifying but its race-day form saw it slip backwards as it was unable to unlock competitive long-run speed.

A major car upgrade was introduced at the US Grand Prix as it hoped to make gains in the order while also boosting its understanding of its 2024 challenger.

However it failed to improve its immediate pace, with Nico Hulkenberg even reverting back to the old-spec car towards the end of the season.

Resta joined Haas for the 2021 season as Haas and Ferrari looked to form closer ties amid their long-term relationship that commenced when Haas joined the F1 grid in 2016.