via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner during a press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner during a press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
The All American F1 team, Haas is changing their 2021 strategy as they focus on a young driver line up. The team will host Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher next season, hoping to strike the right balance between skill and finances within the team.
Haas had a really difficult COVID-affected season. They finished 2018 in P5; however, they have since seen a significant decline in their performance. They finished the last two seasons in P9 position and managed only three points this season.
The American team is taking a gamble with two new drivers next season, and Guenther Steiner discussed their strategy.
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“It was the right time to change the drivers, considering that 2021 will be a year of transition,” he said.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2020 New Haas’ driver Mick Schumacher tests the car during practice Giuseppe Cacace/Pool via REUTERS
“And I’m confident. We start from a premise: to learn you have to act and we want to give Schumacher and Mazepin the chance to make mistakes. In 2022 there will be a change of regulation that will offer many opportunities,” Steiner explained.
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Steiner explains Haas F1’s young lineup decision
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Haas has seen some financial constraints since the Rich energy saga. A younger driver lineup is easier on the team’s pocket and allows for a developing relationship. Moreover, Haas’ previous driver lineup was not working according to their expectations.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 10, 2020 Haas’ Mick Schumacher walks the circuit with his team REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
“Drivers are the primary asset of a team and we needed a shock. Young people are imposing themselves in F1: I am thinking of Leclerc who won races in the second season, of Norris who is doing very well.”
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Haas F1 boss further explained. “Moreover, on a financial level, they cost much less and we prefer to invest money in the 2022 car rather than in the drivers.”
As a Ferrari customer car, Haas has also experienced significant power unit struggles this season. The team does not expect a lot from next season. However, they hope that the drivers and the team will come back much stronger in 2022 and deliver better results.
