Haas puts expansion plans on the back-burner

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Haas' Guenther Steiner says the US outfit is holding off on plans to increase staff as it awaits clarity on Formula 1's budget cap prospects.

Haas concluded its second season of Grand Prix racing with a reasonably good campaign despite the reputation that the second year is typically harder for a new F1 outfit.

"I would not have expected that we are so stable in all areas," team boss Steiner told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Only after the first year are you aware of the level required to put it all together, but we met all of our expectations.

Magnussen enjoying life at straightforward Haas

As it battled in the mid-field, Haas finished eighth overall this year, ahead of both McLaren and Sauber and not far behind Toro Rosso and Renault.

Haas ambitions to grow its staff and resources in the future, but the prospect of Liberty Media introducing a budget cap into the sport for 2021 has put those plans on hold.

"Before we continue to grow, we need to know at what level the budget cap would be," says Steiner.

"It makes no sense to enlarge the team now and then reduce staff again in 2021."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.