After a slump followed by a dip in recent seasons, the Formula 1 Haas team has finally seen a revival this season. From not picking a single point in the constructors’ championship last season, the winds may have turned for Haas this year.
With point placements in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Kevin Magnussen has shown that the Haas car really has potential this season.
However, it does not come without critical comments from competitors. It’s not just Haas that seems fast, as well as Ferrari, and many believe that Haas is just an imitation of the competitors’ red car.
Haas chief Gunther Steiner responded harshly to this criticism.
Many people say a lot differently. Last year, no one said we were a white Ferrari. “I think they’re trying to make excuses because we’re doing a better job than they are, but they simply haven’t done as well as us,” Steiner told Viaplay.
We didn’t develop the 2021 car at all. Do you think we are stupid? We do not use Ferrari parts that are not approved by the FIA, continues Steiner.
Clear speech: Haas CEO Gunther Steiner has become a viewer’s favorite on Netflix’s Drive to Survive. Photo: AP
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spare parts of cars
Many describe the Haas as a white Ferrari, and their use of Ferrari components is quite extensive. Haas uses a Ferrari engine, gearbox and suspension, at the same time they buy the parts they are allowed to buy from Ferrari. In addition, they also use Ferrari’s own wind tunnel.
Andreas Seidl, McLaren team principal, is among those who think this kind of ingredient sharing should not be allowed.
For us, it’s clear that Formula 1 should be a championship with ten, eleven or twelve manufacturers. This means that there will be no porting of components related to core performance, Seidl says Motorsport.com.
Reply: Andreas Seidl, Team Principal McLaren. Photo: PA / NTB
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But as the rules are now, Haas are allowed to use the parts they use from Ferrari, and Steiner sees no reason to change them now.
Fortunately, Andreas is not the FIA president, Steiner tells the site and continues:
Sometimes the rules are like this. If you don’t like them, you can’t just change them. Some people think they can change something just by talking about it. This will not happen.
White Ferrari?: This is what this year’s Haas car looks like. Photo: AP/NTB
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happened before
Being a Formula 1 car quite similar to another is not a new phenomenon, and it usually makes a fuss every time it does.
Back in the 2020 season, Racing Point (now Aston Martin) had what many called a pink Mercedes. That led to some rule changes, but that wasn’t enough, according to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.
– I think we need to reform the rule, because we want to avoid such discussions as we have now. Everyone deserves to perform well, and people should be honored when they do well. Some division of staff and components only creates discussions that are not necessary for the sport, says Wolf.
Alpine chief Otmar Szafnauer is skeptical about whether the FIA will be able to monitor the violations.
– The thing is hard to detect. Szafnauer says if detecting rule violations is impossible, I think we should change the rules motorsports.
Note: This weekend is the Formula 1 race at Imola in Italy. On Saturday there is a sprint race and the main race on Sunday.
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