Steiner: 2019 rule tweaks not affected planning

Haas are having by far their best season in Formula One and the American team are already planning for 2019 as they look to continue their ascent up the F1 ladder.

Haas finished eighth in the Constructors’ Championship in their first two seasons in the sport, but this year they are sitting fifth, chasing down Renault to try and claim fourth and the unofficial title as ‘the best of the rest’.

They are already only ten points behind their tally from the previous two season combined, and team boss Gunther Steiner is eyeing a similar improvement for 2019.

However, there was potential for recent rule changed to affect team’s preparation for next season, but Steiner says that the changes, which simplify the front wing and front brake ducts, whilst also widening the rear wing have not impacted Haas’ preparation for the 2019 campaign.

“It hasn’t affected the planning,” Steiner said. “Maybe we switched a few sessions before because if we were only making an evolution of the 2018 car for next year, with the same regulations, you could use whatever you learned this year for next year’s car.

“By changing regulations you need to start a little more fresh. So, you have to focus a little bit before and you cannot use what you developed for the 2018 car on the 2019 car.”

Perhaps starting to develop the 2019 car will be a masterstroke from Steiner and Haas? Either way, next year is sure to be exciting for F1’s newest team.