Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

Symonds unsure Haas partnership approach to benefit F1

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Williams technical director Pat Symonds is still on the sidelines with regard to Haas F1 Team's partnership model in Formula 1.

Symonds is unsure the US squad's approach to Grand Prix racing doesn't diminish the 'constructor' status of fellow F1 teams.

Founder Gene Haas has partnered with Ferrari to ensure his outfit's presence in Formula 1, acquiring from the Italian manufacturers all the components which it is not legally required to build itself, as well as securing use of the Scuderia's power units and wind tunnel infrastructure.

"The status of being a constructor has been gradually eroded," Symonds explained to Autosport.

"Some would like it completely eroded. What Haas has done is good for him, but I don't know if that is really the way F1 should be going.

"It's absolutely legal but is it really what F1 wants? I'm not sure. When we had the original listed parts, the long list, it was quite pragmatic I thought.

"It allowed you to sell a few sensible things like transmissions which are high value, low performance impact. But it got whittled away. Some want it whittled even further.

"I would prefer F1 to have more of an emphasis on constructors."

The former Benetton and Renault engineer praised Haas for its impressive points-scoring debut in Melbourne, but reckons the rookie team will have its work cut out for it to repeat the feat on more traditional circuits.

"With the pace in the race, we need to be careful how you judge it right the way through the field. said.

"I take nothing away from Haas, it's a fantastic result. But on another circuit, would the Force India [of Nico Hulkenberg] have been behind for that long? I'm not sure."

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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.