Haas is “here to stay” in Formula 1 if the right solutions out from the coronavirus crisis are found, team boss Guenther Steiner says.
Of the 10 outfits on the grid, Haas is perhaps the most uncertain regarding their future, with owner Gene Haas suggesting back in March the outlook was “not favourable” if results didn’t improve.
That was before the current coronavirus situation intensified, leading to the postponement of nine races so far and a dire financial impact that needs to be overcome.
Based on what is currently being proposed, however, Steiner is still relatively confident in Haas’ commitment to F1, particularly as more measures are agreed which will improve the financial viability of the sport going forward.
“I think we are here to stay,” he said on the Sky Sports Vodcast earlier this week.
“For sure we have to see out this scenario but if we can get in what the plan is now [18 races], we are good for the year.
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“I’m in touch with Gene almost every day, he wants to be involved with what is happening, and he seems to be in a good place.
“We just need to be diligent. The budget cap, all this brings the teams together and being competitive will help. So I think we are here to stay.”
Currently, it has been agreed to delay the introduction of new technical regulations from 2021 to 2022 while limits on developing the 2020 cars are also set to be put in place.
The big debate though surrounds the budget cap, with a small cut to $150m from $175m next year informally agreed and a further reduction to $130m in 2022 on the table.
“If we find solutions for the mid and long-term [then Gene Haas] is happy,” Steiner added.
“We need to come up with solutions which I think we are. If we do he wants to keep on going racing.”