Steiner: I hope the new car will be as good as the VF-22

Haas F1 head Günter Steiner spoke about the challenges the team faces at this stage of the season, as well as how preparations are going for 2023.

Q: While the team failed to score points in a series of three races in a row that took place after the summer break, it had a chance to examine in more detail the effectiveness of the complex of new products first introduced in July. to evaluate. What can be said about the work of the improved VF-22 as road racing preparations are underway?
Gunther Steiner: We tested these innovations in Hungary, after which they were installed on both machines after a summer break. We could no longer compare the two versions of the VF-22, but we noted an increase in downforce, found that the information collected matches the calculations made during the research in the wind tunnel.

In this regard, everything is in order, this is the goal we have set for ourselves. It is never easy to measure how much faster a car is thanks to new products, but we are sure that the new products work and that the overall downforce levels are higher.

Now we have to find the optimal balance of the car and hopefully we can earn some points on the tracks that are more like the VF-22 than the fast Spa and Monza.

Q: How do you divide the responsibilities between technical specialists who not only have to analyze the information that the team still collects during the races, but also work in the design office, on the VF-23 project, next year’s car?
Gunther Steiner: The racing team and the design department are always interacting with each other. The design engineers responsible for chassis performance always monitor track progress during race weekends and identify areas to work on.

In addition, meetings are held in which the engineers of the racing team and specialists from the design bureau and the aerodynamics department, based in Italy, participate. There is a constant exchange of views and the team is always discussing what can be done to make the car faster next year.

This process is well established and we can hope that in 2023 we can build a car that will be no worse than the VF-22, but even better.

Q: The next two races will be held with a weekly break in Singapore and Japan, but these stages have not been run in the previous two years due to restrictions due to the pandemic. Can you share your memories of how the team has performed on these tracks in the past?
Gunther Steiner: First, we are waiting for the race in Singapore, it takes place at night on the city circuit and in general it is very interesting there. Second, in the run-up to the Japanese Grand Prix at one of the best tracks in the world.

I love these tracks for several reasons and I’m glad they’re back on the championship calendar. I’m looking forward to returning to Singapore and Japan, but as there have been no races for two years, it feels like we are waiting to meet a new, yet familiar track.

Q: The calendar for the next season was recently introduced. What is there to say, as now there will be three races in the US – Las Vegas will also be added to Miami and Austin?
Gunther Steiner: Obviously 24 races is a lot but there is a lot of interest in Formula 1 now and if the fans are eager to see what we are doing then this is the biggest compliment from them. So we have to work and continue to please them.

I think it’s time for three races in America. The popularity of our sport there has already grown, but this process continues. It is good that there are more breeds, and each has its own characteristics, so that they do not copy each other.

America is a very big country and these three races will not interfere with each other. In two of these three races I already know they are going to be great and I think the Las Vegas show will be on a good level as well.