Guenther Steiner Reveals Haas Was Dangerously Close to Leaving to F1 for Good

To say that the Haas Formula 1 Team had a poor 2020 season would be an understatement. Going from a respectable fifth spot in 2018 to ninth in 2020 in the standings, they have had a steep fall. Getting a measly total of three points this year, the car and the personnel fell short of expectations.

Along with their poor form, their misery was compounded by COVID-19. They were facing severe financial losses. Hence, it was a real possibility that owner Gene Haas pull back the funding from the F1 Programme. However, he ultimately put pen to paper on the new Concorde Agreement that prolongs their stay in the sport.

Haas’ Biggest Achievement

Team Principal Guenther Steiner was ecstatic with their survival. Terming it as their biggest achievement this season, he said, “We survived, that’s what we have done right.

“I think I’ll leave it at that one. I think there was a big chance that we are not here anymore, and I think everybody pulled together. And we are here to stay.”

We know Steiner in the paddock as a very honest man who doesn’t shy away from confronting his drivers. To the extent that he may seem a little harsh or outspoken. This character was on full show when he was assessing their season –

“I think all-in-all, maybe we haven’t been good at the track this year. But I think we have been good for the future of Haas F1, and also for F1.

“As much as we think they don’t need us, I think F1 needs teams like Haas F1.”

Boss praises the organization

F1 Teams are notoriously critical and demanding of the governing body. Hence, it’s rare that they don’t have complaints but actual praise for the organization. The 2020 season did not look like a possibility when the opening round in Australia was called off due to the pandemic. However, everyone pulled together to host a memorable season. Effusive in his praise, Steiner said –

“After Australia, it seemed this thing will be over pretty soon, and it wasn’t.

“So I think to pull off 17 races it’s great that FOM got it done, but it’s the same to be said about the teams that got it done. All the 10 teams.”

Aside from doing a good job with this, Haas really need to pull up their socks if they want to aim for more than survival. They need to sort out their finances and regain their competitiveness. Or else they will be staring down the barrel of obsurity very soon.