F1 News: Haas Chief Makes Bold Nico Hulkenberg And Kevin Magnussen Claim
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has recently made a bold statement regarding the potential of his drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, in a hypothetical scenario involving Red Bull's car design.
Key Takeaways:
- Red Bull's Unprecedented Success: In the 2023 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing demonstrated unparalleled success, clinching 21 victories in 22 races. Their supremacy was only briefly disrupted by Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at the Singapore Grand Prix.
- Steiner's Ideal Team Enhancement: During an interaction with The Athletic, Guenther Steiner revealed his aspiration to integrate Adrian Newey into his team. Newey, known for his championship-winning designs with teams like Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, is seen by Steiner as a key to elevating Haas' competitive edge.
- Steiner's Confidence in His Drivers: Emphasising his trust in Hulkenberg and Magnussen, Steiner claimed that with a vehicle equivalent to Red Bull's RB19, his drivers would be capable of achieving race victories, showcasing his belief in their talent.
Red Bull Racing emerged as a formidable force in 2023, overshadowing their competitors with a series of impressive victories. Only a single race at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Carlos Sainz of Ferrari took the top podium, marred their otherwise flawless season. This dominant performance by Red Bull has been a topic of discussion and admiration in the F1 community.
On the other hand, the Haas F1 Team faced a less fortunate season, concluding at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship. This contrast in team performances has led Guenther Steiner to contemplate the possibilities with a different set of resources. In a discussion with The Athletic, Steiner pointed out Adrian Newey, the renowned designer behind Red Bull's winning cars, as his ideal addition to the team. Newey's reputation for creating vehicles capable of winning championships is well-established.
Further, Steiner expressed a strong belief in his drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen. He confidently asserted that with a car on par with the Red Bull RB19, his drivers could potentially secure victories. He stated:
“I will take Adrian Newey because I’m sure he can make a car which can win.
“Even if you take Max [Verstappen] with our car, we wouldn’t win. I think if we had a Red Bull, Nico would win races and Kevin.”