F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Haas expecting multiple update cycles early in 2017

Haas F1 Team boss Guenther Steiner believes teams will be updating cars at a frantic pace in the early part of 2017 as Formula 1 gets to grips with its new regulations.

Steiner is expecting the majority of teams to launch basic-spec cars when pre-season testing gets underway in Barcelona in February, and then introduce upgrade packages accordingly at the subsequent second test and opening races of the season.

Steiner said that Haas' 2017 contender was still a work in progress but that at some point the design shall be signed and sealed.

"There is a point where you cannot hold back any more, as you cannot produce it any more," Steiner said.

"I think the temptation will be to have a zero version, and then immediately have big updates. You need a zero version to go testing, so that is the plan at the moment – to see what at the last moment you can sign off on the car.

"Everyone now is well organised and you know how long it takes to make a front wing, so there is a point where you have to sign off.

"Then everybody will be planning upgrades, as I think at the beginning the upgrades will be pretty steep."

Chris Medland's 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix preview

TECHNICAL: F1 telemetry: The data race

FEATURE: When F1 team-mates fight for the title

F1i Classic: Sepang 2001 - Ferrari pulls off a masterstroke

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

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

1 hour ago

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…

16 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…

17 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…

19 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…

20 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,…

22 hours ago