Haas F1 'an example to follow' for new entries, says Ferrari team principal
The Haas F1 Team is racing on home soil for the first time this weekend at Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
The team has competed in all 17 races so far this season, with its French driver Romain Grosjean scoring 28 points.
With the spotlight on Haas this weekend, the team representatives attending Friday’s press conference were asked to rate Haas F1 Team’s performance as they close in on the end of their first season.
Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene spoke highly of what Haas had accomplished, stating that it should serve as an example to other entries, while Renault’s Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul noted that Haas was already beating them.
“Of course I’m happy about our partnership with Gene,” said Arrivabene, “and also, I have to say, honored, to work with Haas. The reason why is that it’s an example to follow. In the way that they come in, they are investing in Formula One, they trust in Formula One, they are very serious, very committed.
“When we want to define what they call a ‘small team,’ first of all we need to make sure that they have a commitment to Formula One. In many, many years I saw people coming in, taking here or there some points, having the money in the pocket and leaving. Team Haas is not like this. It’s an example to follow in the way that they come in, they have an objective, they’re working for their objective and they have a long-term commitment.”
“They are ahead of us so they are some form of nightmare to us,” admitted Abiteboul. He also took note of how, although Haas has struggled in the middle of the season, they’ve still held up to the competition well due to their preparation. “All to the credit of Gene and his team, but I think they are compensating, through planning and a clever business model and the relationship with Ferrari, the lack of resources that they have in comparison to other teams. The challenge obviously is to make that sustainable on the long run. That’s obviously what I wish to the team.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner echoed Arrivabene’s sentiments of Haas being “a credible team on the grid,” adding that “it’s a great addition for Formula One to have an American team. Hopefully one day they’ll find an American driver.”
“I agree with what Christian said,” said Sauber Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn. “I think we all know how tough it is to come into this sport and the level is extremely high compared to so many years. So, I think the team has done a very good job there.”
“He’s competing against teams who have built up infrastructure and capability over decades,” added Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, “and doing as good in the first year is really good.”
The Haas F1 drivers placed 14th and 15th in Friday morning’s practice session and 18th and 20th in the afternoon.
