Günther Steiner: “We want to announce our drivers as soon as possible”
The team principal of Haas has declared a desire to confirm his driver lineup for next year as soon as possible, even before the summer break. It is unlikely to change.
Last year, Haas and Günther Steiner took their time to decide on Mick Schumacher’s future. Ultimately, the German was replaced. This year, the Italian team principal of Haas, Günther Steiner, wants to confirm the driver duo for the year 2024 as soon as possible.
There should be no change in Haas’ line-up as both Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg have already convinced their boss. The American team has 11 points in the constructors’ standings and is currently in 8th position, tied with Williams.
“« We want to announce our drivers as soon as possible so that we don’t have to wait like last year to, at some point, tell the media that it will be the next race, it becomes boring »,” said Günther Steiner. “With a competitive duo of drivers, capable of scoring points when the car allows it, there is no reason to change.”
« We are happy with what we have », then said Günther Steiner. Indeed, even though Magnussen is struggling more and has only 2 points compared to his teammate’s 9, the two drivers form a good duo that pushes the team forward. Hülkenberg’s strong experience also helps the team to improve. The German, who is currently in 14th place in the drivers’ standings, has also achieved some great things in this first half of the season. His second place in qualifying in Canada is proof of that.
« I don’t dedicate much time to it, but obviously we need to do it and we will have our confirmed drivers as soon as possible. As I already said, I am quite satisfied with our pair of drivers », Steiner concluded. Barring any incidents, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg will be at Haas next year.
What future for Haas?
Currently 8th in the championship, tied with Williams, Haas is not having a bad start to the season, especially compared to AlphaTauri. But it must be noted that the American team has shortcomings during races, which have already prevented them from confirming a good grid position with points on several occasions.
The best example is in Canada. Starting from 5th place on the grid after receiving a 3-place penalty, Nico Hülkenberg was unable to score any points in the race due to the car’s severe lack of pace. Solving this issue is vital for the remainder of the season and next year, if Haas hopes to score more points.
The car also suffers because of its tires, which often overheat very quickly during the race. To remedy this, the team boss declared that updates should be made to address this issue.
« We have some small elements for Hungary, we have nothing for Spa, but after the summer, we could have some improvements. »
