Early driver renewals a benefit to Haas - Steiner

Haas F1 Team boss Guenther Steiner believes the early contract renewals of its drivers will only serve the interests of the American outfit.

Both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen's contracts for 2018 were confirmed recently, alleviating any doubts in the drivers' and team's mind.

As Haas continues its fierce mid-field battle with its rivals, settling its driver line-up early is just one less problem to deal with. 

"We are happy with our drivers and from the beginning we never said anything that we'd change them," said Steiner.

"They both have contracts, we're good...

"Signing drivers up, especially in the midfield teams, is always stressful. There are the good drivers [and] you have to convince them [to be at the team]; the bad drivers you don't want."

• Early focus on 2017 'helped Haas dodge second season slump'

Indeed, a summer void of any difficult contract negotiations is more likely to keep the team's and its drivers' focus on the job at hand.

"If you've got your drivers sorted out… for me last year Esteban [Gutiérrez] didn't do a bad job, but we still had to make changes, you need to do it with respect, because he deserved respect," Steiner added.

"When you need another driver, you need to attract somebody, and it's hard work, so this year at least that isn't there.

"It's also good for the drivers to know going forward that they are in a team.

"They don't have to start looking around for a seat and it gives them confidence, they can focus on racing, not getting the next contract.

"I think we're in a good place."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter