Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsHaas F1 Team

Grosjean delivered the goods - Steiner

Haas F1 Team boss Guenther Steiner has praised Romain Grosjean for the Frenchman's speed and qualities and his contribution to the US squad's fine debut in last Sunday's Australian GP.

Many viewed Grosjean's choice of linking his destiny with that of a new F1 outfit as a bold move, and one which would benefit Haas more than the driver himself.

Haas has already reaped the benefits of the Frenchman's consistent pace, speed and experience.

"We took him on for this reason," Steiner said.

"He’s fast but he’s experienced. He can manage the tyres, he’s known for that.

"He did all what we took him on for, he delivered, that’s why we took Romain. He delivered at the perfect level."

Grosjean's own performance notwithstanding, Guenther Steiner also complimented the entire Haas team for its incredible work in the past months and the outstanding job accomplished in Melbourne.

"Absolutely, I mean everybody did a great job. I mean, the last two months I wouldn’t like to have been any of these guys.

"They worked day and night, but continuously, it wasn’t like they did it once. No, we built the car, we went testing, day and night, then we went to the factory to rebuild the cars, then we came here and we had some gremlins and some problems.

"Then it rained, we didn’t do any testing and I think our drivers maybe each did seven timed laps before going in to the race, it’s quite amazing. But it happens, so we take it."

Australian Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

Australian Grand Prix - Driver ratings

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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.