Haas aiming for 'upper midfield' in F1 with 2023 line-up

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Haas team boss Guenther Steiner says the US outfit's experienced new line-up for 2023 will bring stability to the team as it aims to join F1's "upper midfield" in the next two years.

From next season, Haas will entrust its cars to a pair of seasoned F1 veterans, Kevin Magnussen and F1 returnee Nico Hulkenberg who takes over from Mick Schumacher.

The US outfit enjoyed a strong start to its 2022 campaign, but the team progressively lost its momentum as the season unfolded.

But Haas' undeniable improvement this year relative to 2020 and 2021 have encouraged Steiner to set a bigger target for the team in the next two seasons.

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"The near-term future is to get the team back to where we want to be, at least in the midfield, if not the upper midfield in the next two years," the Haas boss told the media in Yas Marina on Thursday morning.

"[We want] to fight in the midfield properly, because this year we were fighting, we were out, we were fighting again – it’s been a little bit up and down and a rollercoaster this year.

"We need a bit of stability next year. We made a big step this year from where we were the last two years, but we want to continue to get better and better.

"That is the aim, because the other teams obviously want to do the same."

Upon Haas' confirmation of Hulkenberg's return to the grid next year, Steiner highlighted the German driver's "experience and knowledge" as key assets for his team.

And Hulk's ability to quickly get up to speed will allow Haas to tap into its new driver's qualities from the outset, and even as soon as next Tuesday when Hulkenberg will drive for the team in Pirelli's scheduled tyre test.

"We looked at that one as well but when he came in, when he replaced drivers in the last years, he was pretty on the ball straight away," said Steiner.

"Aston Martin just texted us now that they let him drive for us on Tuesday. Thanks to them for letting us do that.

"Then we can sharpen him up next week, and then also we have got the pre-season testing in Bahrain and I think he will be straight on it.

"Physically, these F1 cars they are quite demanding and it will take him some time to get used to it, because the only way you train your muscles is driving the cars.

"We cross that bridge next year but he’s pretty fit and I don’t see it [being a problem].

"We obviously had that question as well, is he straight on the ball when he comes back after being out? But then you look at the results he did when he just jumped in at the last minute, he was pretty good."

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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.