Haas moved into Formula 1 in 2016 and immediately hit the ground running with a points-scoring finish on their debut at the Australian Grand Prix.
Romain Grosjean kept out of trouble at Albert Park to finish in sixth place which was a very impressive result for the new team.
Haas also had a competitive car at times two years later and were on course for more points in Australia before lacklustre pit stops caused both cars to retire.
Guenther Steiner led the team from the outset in 2016 until last year, when Ayao Komatsu replaced him. Komatsu has improved the team but feels Oliver Bearman would’ve benefitted from driving for Alpine in Brazil. He will join the team full-time next season alongside Esteban Ocon.
The former team principal explained at the Oxford Union how Covid altered the team’s approach to Formula 1.
Gene Haas wanted to compete in F1 with ‘as little money as possible’ after Covid
The Haas team were fighting for points a times in the opening seasons as they benefitted from Ferrari engines and parts from Dallara.
They have endured some very difficult times after Covid, particularly in 2021 when Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin were rooted to the back of the field.
Efficiency is very important in Formula 1 when developing the car, particularly with the cost cap putting a limit on spending.
Steiner explained how Haas’ approach changed to Formula 1 after Covid which didn’t motivate him as the team were floundering.
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He said: “Covid came and changed our lives. I’m not feeling sorry for myself. It changed dramatically. The vision for the team changed because Gene Haas, his vision changed and it was more like, ‘how can we do it with as little money as possible, this thing?’
“And that is not something which motivates you. You always want to be efficient. You have to be efficient. It’s one of the things you have to be, especially in Formula 1 with a cross cap in place. But you cannot be cheap. There’s a difference between being efficient and cheap. And it was difficult.”
Haas have made steps forward this season and are regularly scoring points
Haas are now battling for sixth place in Constructors’ Championship against Alpine who leapt ahead of them at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The American team have been consistently scoring points since the summer break although the weekend at Interlagos was more difficult witth Nico Hulkenberg getting disqualified.
They are now collaborating with Toyota which could open doors for talent from Japan on and off the track to work in the team.
Haas will be looking to usurp Alpine in the final three rounds and finish in sixth place which would represent a step forward from 2023.
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