Haas team boss Günther Steiner has insisted that it is “not impossible” for the team to repeat George Russell’s performances for Williams later in the season.
Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin have been the returns in Formula 1 so far this season after Haas stopped developing the VF-21 before the campaign began.
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However, since Russell scored a large part of the Styrian Grand Prix at the Styrian Grand Prix before retiring from eighth place, Steiner used his rivals in the battle for ninth place in the constructors’ championship as proof that a turnaround could be possible later in the season is.
“I think George did a good job, he qualified 11th – never forget that,” Steiner said, pointing out that Russell’s racing pace was no coincidence.
“He did a very good job and we all know George is a good driver. He put the car in a good position and he performed well.
“He’s been unlucky … lucky for some other people, but at some point he’ll have a good result. It seems like he’s never got luck on his side.”
When asked if the battle for ninth place is more difficult now with Russell fighting for points, Steiner added: “I wouldn’t say it’s harder, it stays the same.
“For us I would say later in the season that we might have a good weekend but you still have to work towards it.
“It’s not impossible. George had a very good race, a very good qualifying and a very good race. If he does like that, it will be more difficult, yes.”
Steiner “happy” with the Schumacher-Mazepin fight
After the close conversation at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, there was a lot of talk about the relationship between Schumacher and Mazepin on the track when the duo battled for position at the Red Bull Ring again last Sunday.
Steiner pointed to the potential to fight in midfield next season and explained why this year it is preferred for his drivers to learn their racing craft in duels with one another.
Regarding the fight in Styria, he emphasized: “It was very good, it was very respectful between the two and neither had to give up. It was just racing.
“I don’t want to stop them from racing because when I say to overtake each other … how are they supposed to learn? Next year they need to know how to do it. I think they both have one today good job “do it.”
“Once Nikita overtook Mick cleanly and once Mick overtook Nikita cleanly.
“That’s normal for me. Hopefully we’ll keep it that way, but it was very good today, I’m very happy with it.”
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