F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Steiner won't try to 'micromanage' Haas rookies

Haas team boss Guenter Steiner will obviously have a watchful eye on rookies Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin this season, but the Italian has no intention of micromanaging the pair as it learns the ropes of F1.

Schumacher and Mazepin's fortunes were at opposite ends last month in Bahrain where they enjoyed their Grand Prix debut.

The German charger fulfilled Steiner's requirement that he bring his car to the checkered flag while his teammate was caught out after just a handful of corners at Sakhir and spun into retirement.

But Steiner is aware of just how steep of a climb his drivers are facing this season.

"It is quite a big challenge," he said ahead of this week's reprise at Imola. "Formula 1 is a very difficult sport, but we knew the challenge, therefore there’s no big surprise.

"We decided to do this, and we need to get through it. I just try to see it that the drivers feel comfortable – I don’t try to micromanage them.

"They have their engineers and they need to work with them on a day-to-day basis, or more accurately on an hour-to-hour basis, not with me."

Although Steiner will refrain from excessive supervision, the Haas boss will nevertheless be attentive to his drivers' approach to their work and processes.

"For sure though, in the beginning, I will be well-informed what is happening and try to see where I may need to intervene.

"I’m not doing the job myself; I’ve got good people working for the team which know how to do the job better than me.

"I just observe what is happening. If there’s a problem I’m there to ask what it is and then I see if I need to do something."

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

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.

Recent Posts

Vasseur explains why Ferrari had to ‘stop the noise and the rumors’

Fred Vasseur has made it clear that Ferrari’s decision to publicly address speculation over his…

2 hours ago

Verstappen explains why he skipped softs in Sepang FP2

Max Verstappen emerged from Formula 1’s first day back at Sepang with plenty of encouragement…

3 hours ago

Hamilton escapes penalty as Ferrari hit with €10,000 impeding fine

Lewis Hamilton escaped with little more than a slap on the wrist after impeding Audi’s…

4 hours ago

Russell warns Mercedes upgrade is being masked by tyre woes

George Russell resisted the temptation to draw any grand conclusions from Mercedes’ much-anticipated W17 upgrade…

6 hours ago

Bahrain GP: Friday's action in pictures

A sweltering Friday in Sepang delivered a hectic opening day as Max Verstappen and Charles…

7 hours ago

Briatore draws a line under Alpine’s costly Baku disaster

Flavio Briatore has drawn a line under Alpine’s bruising Azerbaijan Grand Prix, admitting he was…

8 hours ago