Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes the lack of testing opportunities has made F1 teams reluctant to take “big risks” on rookies.
In 2021, the Haas F1 team felt an all-rookie line-up of Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher was the better course for their long-term future, but heading into 2023 they have gone in a completely different direction.
For 2023, however, the team will change course, letting both Niky Mazepin and Mick Schumacher go in favor of experienced Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
Mick Schumacher felt the lack of testing opportunities in F1 meant the rookie was facing an uphill battle to advance in the series against more experienced rivals.
Gunther Steiner’s own stance is of the same opinion.
“I think he is right,” said Gunther Steiner.
“In racing, two years is quite a lot, but nothing within that.”
“With no tests, he jumped directly from F2 to F1 competition. Not full-time, we hadn’t been in the car for three years because we couldn’t assess young drivers into practice or take big risks. Experienced. I decided to get a good driver.”
“McLaren have[Oscar]Piastri, but at the end of the day, who knows how good he is in a Formula 1 car. He was very good in Formula 3 and Formula 2, but Formula 1 is still big. One step.”
“Obviously it’s a small thing, I wouldn’t say it’s a problem, but it’s one of the things you’re willing to take to put a rookie in the car.”
Although the Haas F1 team has taken a complete turnaround in its approach to drivers, Gunther Steiner believes the rookie for 2021 was a no-brainer.
“No, no. It was definitely not a mistake,” said Gunther Steiner.
“The reason is that two years ago we were in a different position and now we are in a different position.”
“I think we are in a much better position across F1 now than we were two years ago when we had to find a solution to keep moving forward.”
