Guenther Steiner says despite the regulation changes and cost cap in place, Haas is to retain its underdogs status as a F1 team.
Haas had a 2021 that they would really prefer to forget about very very quickly. It was a season which produced nothing in terms of points and there were many reasons which was part and parcel for it like no car development, running two rookies instead of having one experienced driver at least – all of which was decided tactically.
The hope was pinned on 2022. Despite the regulation changes, Steiner still feels that as a unit, Haas will retain their underdog status. The field is likely to bunch up and cost cap in full flow, but the team will still be regarded as an underdog as per the boss who also reckons a return to midfield is the goal.
“I think we will still be the underdog which is trying to punch above its weight because our structure is roughly the same as it was in 2018 and 2019,” Steiner said to media including FormulaRapida.net. “The quantity of people, we changed a little bit the people, instead of using Dallara people now we’ve got our own people and some of the people from Ferrari, which were moved from there because of the budget cap.
“But we are still the smallest team, people-wise. Production-wise, obviously we are by far the smallest. I think we are still the team we were in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and we want to get back to where we were in 2018 and 2019. We still want to be known to be that,” summed up Steiner. Underdogs and or smallest team status. Last year was a steep learning curve for them.
In fairness when they entered F1, they acquitted themselves well in the early seasons. If anything they have gone backwards and underdogs status may be something that they enjoy so when they achieve something against the odds they will be doubly delighted and pleased with the results. The new rules and new regulations and a budget cap could work in their favour and move them further up the field. If there was consistency there, then they could no longer retain that title of underdog.
Here’s Mick Schumacher on 2022 preparation
Here’s Guenther Steiner on Robert Shwartzman and reserve driver
Here’s Nikita Mazepin on qualifying discussion
Here’s Guenther Steiner on his own learning
Here’s Guenther Steiner on bonus offer from Dimtry Mazepin
