F1 | Haas, Steiner: “The team has taken a step forward”

A more than positive 2017 for the Haas, able to improve his performances and avoid falling into one of the most long-standing problems of modern Formula 1, the "second year syndrome".

Numerous rookie teams made mistakes that only worsened their performance after promising starts. Mistakes that the US team tried not to make, even at the cost of receiving criticism and making questionable choices.

Through ups and downs, things are going well with the team principal Gunther steiner more than satisfied with the progress made.

“Part of my job is to prepare not to enter the tunnel of the second year – he told Autosport – you can always end up in that tunnel, but I had a terrible second season in one of my past projects and I learned a lot. Everyone was aware that last year we had to be careful not to let go."

This is why difficult decisions were made: “When last year we chose to move on to the development of the 2017 single-seater because things weren't going badly for us, everyone criticized us because we didn't bring updates. We were the ones who didn't want to do it because it would have confused us and prevented us from preparing for 2017."

This year too, in fact, later Singapore the updates will cease and the team will start thinking only about the 2018 car. However, things should continue to improve, given the engine updates that will probably come from Ferrari and a team with greater experience and awareness.

“The team is better organized – added Steiner – not that last year we were badly organised, but you can't be perfect the first year. The level is very high and the team has taken a step forward. We have improved our objectives."

“People work better together because they know each other, they know their strengths and weaknesses, they know who they can count on and who they can't and it's natural that you can do better this way.”

“I can't say I'm surprised – he concluded – I'm proud that things have improved”.

Manuel Lai