Schumacher’s pace creates trust at Haas

Sam Hall

Wednesday October 20, 2021 1:05 PM

Haas team boss Günther Steiner explained how Mick Schumacher’s first appearance in Q2 brought some “trust” back into the workforce.

In the first three years in Formula 1, Haas became a force in midfield, finishing fifth in 2018 before finishing two penultimate and now set for a first goalless season this year.

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However, with Haas focused on the possibility of a regulation change in 2022, not upgrading his current car and driving two rookies, Steiner had predicted a tough season.

Steiner had been predicting a tough season all along, with Haas focusing on the 2022 regulation change and therefore not upgrading the current car while pitching two rookies with Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

Despite the difficulties, Mick Schumacher made it to Q2 twice and although damage prevented him from taking part in the session in France, the German was able to take part in Turkey.

“For me I was of course happy for Mick that he made it, but for the whole team, because we had very few highlights on the track and something like that ensures that we can do it, that we can do it.” when the opportunity presents itself, “said Steiner.

“I think this will work out for the team in the next few races because they have regained some of the confidence that they may have lost over the course of the year and hopefully we can see another moment like this in 2021.”

The United States Grand Prix fell by the wayside last year in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, with F1 races taking place exclusively in Europe and the Middle East.

Regarding the importance of a home race for the only American-owned team at the start, Steiner added: “Austin has always been good to us.

“We have a good following here in the US and it’s growing as Formula One grows in the US.

“We have Haas Hill in Austin that has sold out for weeks, if not months, and it’s always great to go.

“Austin as a city and a racetrack is just a good place and after missing out on last year I think the whole of Formula One is happy to be back in Austin and we’re looking forward to it.”