After a successful return to the team in the 2022 season, Kevin Magnussen showcased impressive skills and garnered the majority of Haas’ points. This came after Nikita Mazepin’s departure following the first pre-season test in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher, Magnussen’s former teammate, was not retained for the 2023 season, as Haas opted for the more experienced Nico Hulkenberg, who has proven to be a valuable asset, contributing six out of the team’s eight points this year.
When asked about any potential changes for 2024, Haas Team Principal, Guenther Steiner, expressed satisfaction with the current driver lineup and hoped for a prompt decision. He also highlighted the team’s contentment with the ongoing technical partnership with Ferrari, emphasizing the desire to maintain the status quo.
“In terms of the driver market, we are currently content with our lineup,” stated Steiner. “Ideally, we would like to announce our drivers as soon as possible, avoiding a prolonged wait like last year, which can become tedious. As for Ferrari, we believe there is no immediate need for a change in the short to medium term, even if we have had a challenging year. Difficult times don’t necessarily call for an immediate shift.”
Steiner acknowledged the drivers’ experience as beneficial in addressing the issues faced by the team’s 2023 car, which has exhibited impressive qualifying performance but struggled to maintain strong positions during races. The VF-23 car experiences a significant drop-off in tire life compared to its rivals, resulting in decreased grip for the drivers. Steiner expressed optimism in finding a quick solution to this problem.
“Indeed, the drivers’ experience plays a role,” added Steiner. “Nico has been vocal about the issue, and what I appreciate is that we openly discuss the problem. There is no attempt to conceal it; we address it openly. Everyone is eager to understand what’s happening and find ways to resolve it.”
(Photo by: Formula 1)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about driver retention
Q: Is Haas F1 Team planning to make any changes to its driver lineup for the 2024 season?
A: No, Haas F1 Team intends to retain its current drivers for the 2024 season, expressing satisfaction with their performance and aiming to maintain stability.
Q: Who returned to Haas F1 Team for the 2022 season?
A: Kevin Magnussen returned to Haas F1 Team for the 2022 season after Nikita Mazepin left the team following the first pre-season test in Barcelona.
Q: Why was Mick Schumacher not retained for the 2023 season?
A: Haas F1 Team opted for the more experienced Nico Hulkenberg to replace Mick Schumacher for the 2023 season.
Q: How has Nico Hulkenberg performed for Haas F1 Team in the current season?
A: Nico Hulkenberg has scored six out of the eight points accumulated by Haas F1 Team so far in the current season, proving to be a valuable addition to the team.
Q: What is the status of Haas F1 Team’s technical partnership with Ferrari?
A: Haas F1 Team is content with the continuing technical partnership with Ferrari and has no plans to change it in the short to medium term.
Q: What issues does Haas F1 Team’s 2023 car face?
A: Haas F1 Team’s 2023 car experiences a significant drop-off in tire life compared to its rivals’ cars, causing a loss of grip for the drivers during races.
Q: How does the experience of the drivers contribute to addressing the issues with Haas F1 Team’s 2023 car?
A: The experience of the drivers helps the team in finding a direction to solve the issues with the 2023 car. They openly discuss the problems and collaborate to find solutions.
3 comments
Haas stickin with same drivers for 2024. No change. Stable team. Good move. Ferrari partnership still intact. Hope they sort out tire problem. Drivers’ experience helps.
Magnussen return 2 Haas and did gr8 job last year but Schumacher not stayin this year whyy? hulkenberg ok but miss mick! hope haas find solution 4 tire grip issues soon!!
haas has decide to keep their current drivers for 2024 thats cool but hope they can improve the car for next season too!