Formula 1 returns this weekend with the usually unpredictable Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is hoping for a much better weekend than the team experienced in Monaco.
It was a disastrous Monaco Grand Prix for the Haas F1 Team; Kevin Magnussen retired with a water leak, then Mick Schumacher crashed heavily at the swimming pool section moments later.
The crash saw Schumacher’s VF22 break in half, almost identically to what occurred to the young German at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Haas have shown strong pace at almost every circuit so far this season, filling Steiner with confidence that the team can have a solid weekend at the Baku City Circuit.
Speaking in the team’s preview, the Haas boss explained the importance of finding the “sweet spot” at the venue.
“The circuit is split into two elements – very fast and very twisty,” Steiner began.
“I think with our car, we made good progress in Spain with the set-up of the car and it’s doing well in all circumstances at the moment.
“We need to hit the sweet spot on the set-up and I think we can have a good result like we would have had in Spain and Monte Carlo if things had gone differently. I’m really looking forward to going racing again this weekend.”
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It is crucial that neither Magnussen or Schumacher crash this weekend, with the Canadian Grand Prix taking place next weekend.
It represents one of the toughest double-headers logistically of the season, with the two countries being separated by thousands of miles.
Steiner is hoping for a damage free weekend, with the team having limited time between events.
“The challenges are that you go from one continent to another, it’s a long trip and the team is working very hard to get it all done,” explained Steiner.
“It’s just down to having a good team around and working hard, but it’s a challenge as they only have a few days to get set up again and get going again for the next race.
“If you have any damage on the car it gets more difficult, so we are hoping to not have any damage in Baku.”
The distance between the two races has raised financial concerns amongst the teams, who have already asked for the budget cap to be increased this season.
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It is believed that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, is looking into making 2023 more logistically suitable for the teams.
The current plan is that races will be combined “regionally”, stopping the championship from bouncing from one continent to another every weekend.
Steiner praised these plans ahead of the race weekend in Baku.
“On the plans for next season, it would be great if we can combine the races regionally,” said Steiner.
“I know Stefano is working very hard on that one and it will go in the right direction next year.”