Steiner thinks F1 "looks after the sport" by protecting Haas business model

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner thinks Formula 1 owners are looking after the sport by keeping a team like Haas intact, as many of the Americans' competitors have complained about the number of parts they buy rather than develop themselves.

Despite having one of the smallest operating budgets in F1, Haas look the quickest team in midfield. This is largely because of the vast number of parts they buy from the likes of Ferrari rather than develop themselves, which would cost a lot more.

This business model has been criticised by the likes of Renault, who makes everything themselves, but Ross Brawn defended Haas in a recent interview, saying having a team like Haas is good for the sport.

Steiner appreciated those words, although he doesn't think Liberty are looking after Haas in particular.

“I wouldn’t say they are looking after us," Steiner was quoted by Motorsport.

“I would rephrase that: they are looking after Formula 1. It is a bigger picture than us or another team.

“We are all egotistic obviously and somebody is a referee, and they need to look after the business that we have enough teams here that can fight at an equal level.

“If you guys have got three teams that are two seconds ahead, then you have got teams that are two or three seconds behind and another group of people who are two or three seconds behind them, what fun is that? How long can that exist?

“We need to close the gap and that is one of the ways to do it. If people like it or not they just need to do a better job. Then we are fine.”