Steiner: 'Behaviour of Mazepin and Schumacher comparable to children'

Günther Steiner is definitely ready for a winter break after a Formula 1 season with two rookies. The season wasn't easy, as Haas was much slower than the rest and tensions between the two teammates ran high throughout the season.

Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin were both in their first year in Formula 1, but ahead of the season Haas decided to accept that challenge in the knowledge they wouldn't develop their car. The relationship between the two drivers was difficult at times; everything is still new for the pair, so they still have a lot to learn and meanwhile the Italian team boss also has to learn how to work with them. "The easiest way to explain it is that it's almost the same as having children," Steiner tells Speedweek.

With an experienced driver and a rookie, that learning process happens automatically, but with two rookies it's a different story. The Haas team boss does feel they have made progress, but it did cost him a lot of energy. "It was an experience for me; it wasn't easy."

Zero points in 2021

The American team finished the year with zero points and they finished last in the Constructors' Championship. There is hope for 2022 though, as the team started developing the new car early in the year. Hopefully this will allow them to at least score some points next year.