'Haas F1 must look for new technical director, Resta left'

According to the usually well-informed Italian branch of Motorsport.com, Simone Resta has left. The technical director is said to have decided to leave due to a difference of opinion even before the unveiling of the new VF24.

The 53-year-old Italian started at Haas F1 in January 2021. He was 'loaned' to the customer team by Ferrari and thus spent three years working for the team of drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

Resta vs Gene Haas

As surprising as Resta's departure is, internally, it is not entirely out a surprise. Resta is said to take a different view from team owner and backer Gene Haas.

Haas F1's car was again not very competitive last season. At the start of the season, points were scored in Saudi Arabia, Australia and Miami. Haas only scored once after that in the rest of 2023 (Singapore).

Resta wanted to build on those results and come up with updates relatively quickly. However, Gene Haas decided that the money should be put into a major update later in the season. This update was introduced in the United States and consisted of many 'Red Bull elements'. However, the update disappointed badly.

Resta's future

Resta felt passed over and so is now leaving. According to the aforementioned medium, there is a chance he will now return to work for Ferrari, where perhaps the Sauber/Audi project could also be an option.