Guenther Steiner believes Haas’ greater maturity and consistency, compared to its maiden Formula 1 campaign, means it can target points on a more regular basis this season.
Haas joined the Formula 1 grid in 2016 and secured eighth in the standings, but was one of the least consistent performers, its pace often fluctuating race by race.
Haas has scored points in four of the six Grands Prix held in 2017, with the outfit reaching another milestone in Monaco by taking its first double top 10 finish, courtesy of Romain Grosjean in eighth and Kevin Magnussen in 10th spot.
Steiner has now challenged Haas to aim for a repeat result at following events.
“I think a lot of things come with time, you mature,” Steiner commented.
“It’s pretty normal if everybody works hard, and I would say the team has worked really hard.
“It’s difficult to get two cars in the top 10 in F1, as we all know. Everybody – the team, the drivers – did a fantastic job in Monte Carlo.
“Saying that we can always get in with two cars – that’s overestimating it, but that’s our aim. If you’re there or, at least, always knocking on the door, it will happen. That’s always my philosophy.
“We’re a lot more consistent than last year, which makes us hope to have more of this in the future.”
Steiner also reckons the gap between Haas and Toro Rosso, 15 points and three places ahead in the Constructors’ Championship, can be bridged.
“You see the points difference between Toro Rosso, which is fifth and us in eighth,” he said.
“They’ve got 29 points and we’ve got 14. They have double the points, but 14 is not insurmountable. You get two good results and you’re there. That shows how competitive it is in the midfield.
“So for us to be in the points four times out of six races is some measure of success
“You can’t always get in there all the time – even the big teams like Force India, which is fourth in the championship, didn’t get into the points in Monte Carlo with either car, and that’s because the midfield is so tight.”
