Haas F1 started the season well, earning points in the first two races. Team leader Günter Steiner hopes to see both cars in the top ten in Melbourne.
Q: Two races behind, in both you have earned points. Can we say that this year the team can count on points in all races of the season?
Gunther Steiner: I think that we can strive for points in every race, at least in the first half of the season, and then the teams will seriously upgrade the cars and add speed. I am optimistic that we will keep this form. You need to strive to earn points with two cars.
Question: Watching how Kevin and Mick worked together for three weeks in a row, how do you assess their relationship, how does it affect the atmosphere in the team?
Gunther SteinerA: They have a good relationship. Kevin is a good guide for Mick, Magnussen is trying to help his teammate using his experience. The team works great on both sides of the pits, the atmosphere inside is very good.
Q: We are returning to Melbourne after missing a few years due to Covid-19. Looking back at the cancellation of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix and everything that’s happened since, how do you rate Formula 1’s adaptation to difficult conditions?
Gunther Steiner: FOM and the teams have done a great job in 2020 when the pandemic started. We returned to the track after four or five months of preparation, having developed a complete calendar and providing the opportunity to move forward. Formula 1 accepted this challenge, did a great job and was able to take the next step.
Q: This weekend, Haas F1 will hold the 125th race in Formula 1, and on the same track where the first was held. There were successes and failures, but what do you remember about that wonderful first weekend when Roman Grosjean finished sixth?
Gunther Steiner: Yes, our history is like a roller coaster, during these six years there have been many failures, but there have been successes.
More than 50% of the employees who were present at the first race still work with us today. I consider this an important achievement. It was a very good six years, although it was not without its difficulties. The most memorable moment was definitely finishing sixth in our first race – and fifth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2018. We will try to repeat these achievements. Hopefully soon.