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

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

8 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

10 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

11 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

13 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

14 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

15 hours ago