Haas

IndyCar driver Graham Rahal has strongly disagreed with Haas's claim that no American drivers are ready for Formula 1 racing.Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has recently revealed that the team would like an American driver to race for them but does not believe any are up to standard."It's not on top of our list," Steiner told Autosport when asked about the prospect of signing an American driver."It's on top of our list if there's a good one. Obviously, we want one."But then maybe, if there is a really good one, would they come to us?"Just having an American driver who maybe cannot compete at a certain level is maybe not good for the sport."[Signing an American driver] would be an ambition, but at the moment there is nobody ready for F1 in the United States in my opinion."Those comments provoked a strong reaction from Rahal, who said on Twitter: "Complete BS. @HaasF1Team if you really believe that, why don’t you call some of us, give it a shot?Alexander Rossi, who started … [Read more...] about Rahal blasts Haas’ ‘complete bull****’ claim

After a trying time with McLaren and Renault, Kevin Magnussen says he is finding life with Haas "more enjoyable" as there is "less negative pressure."Although Magnussen's Formula 1 career began on a high note with a podium finish on his McLaren debut, he was dropped to a test driver role in 2015 to make way for Fernando Alonso.The resulted in a swap to Renault the following season, however, again it was an unsuccessful partnership with Magnussen joining Haas in 2017.He managed five top-ten results for the American and will remain with the team for the upcoming championship."I've been able to let go of the pressure of being a Formula 1 driver a bit and just enjoy racing, enjoy those cars and enjoy the races more," Magnussen told Autosport."I'm still focused and I'm still working hard; it's just more enjoyable and less negative pressure."It's always easier when you're having fun, that's for sure."I am having fun here; I enjoy working with these guys, and I like the way the team is … [Read more...] about Magnussen: Less negative pressure at Haas

Guenther Steiner concedes that finding sponsorship is a "priority" for Haas, but insists the team won't sell themselves on the cheap.Last season Ferrari, who power both Haas and Sauber, announced a new big deal with the latter.Under the new arrangement, Sauber has been rebranded as Alfa Romeo Sauber, which has brought engines, technical know-how and Charles Leclerc to the team.Asked whether Ferrari have approached Haas with that same deal prior to confirming Sauber, Steiner told Motorsport.com: "No, not with us, nothing."He is, however, open to holding talks about a similar deal if one is put on the table."Why not? We are open always to talks," said the team boss."If somebody's got some ideas, yeah, for sure we are interested in it."But is it our priority? Maybe not."Instead he says finding outside sponsorship is what the team is really looking for given that Gene Haas' Haas Automation has been the team's principle backer."I think that's a priority, it's just difficult to get … [Read more...] about External backers a ‘priority’ for Haas