Haas boss Guenther Steiner says the results the operation has accrued proves that it is possible for start-up teams to be competitive in Formula 1.
Formula 1 has only had a smattering of new entrants since the turn of the millennium, with Toyota (2002) and Super Aguri (2006) both exiting before the end of the decade.
2010 entrants Hispania (later HRT), Lotus (re-named Caterham) and Virgin (which became Marussia/Manor) all struggled towards the rear of the grid, with only Manor scoring points.
HRT shut down at the end of 2012, Caterham followed suit two years later, while the re-born Manor operation competed only for a further two seasons before it too bowed out.
Haas, meanwhile, joined the roster in 2016, having outsourced a substantial portion of its development, forging a close partnership with Dallara and Ferrari.
Haas claimed back-to-back eighth places in the Constructors’ Championship and this year has vaulted up to fifth position, having already exceeded its 2017 points total.
“I think we proved that it is possible to start a team from new and be competitive in the midfield,” said Steiner.
“Obviously, we are very conscious that we cannot compete with the big three, but I think it’s testimony to a good plan and good people.
“Everybody from fourth to 10th can be competing for points this year, as we’ve all seen. Now, being fifth, it’s nice to be there.
“After testing it was realistic to think we could be there, but we were very conscious that it would be hard work, and it is hard work, actually.”
Haas scored 32 points across Formula 1’s triple header, compared to the 21 amassed by Force India, 14 by Renault and eight for McLaren.
Steiner believes Haas’ recent form shows it has the potential to chip away at Renault’s 19-point advantage and beat the manufacturer to fourth place in the standings.
“I think with the potential of the car we have shown over the last three races, it is possible to aim for fourth,” commented Steiner.
“If we achieve it or not, that’s a different question.
“I don’t want to be arrogant and say we will finish fourth, because by no means is it a given. We are competing with three very strong teams for this position.
“We will try, we will give it our best and, hopefully, we end up fourth.”
Not since Stewart finished fourth in the 1999 standings has a start-up team classified inside the top five of the championship within its first three years of competition.
