Haas team boss Guenther Steiner says that the start of the 2023 season has showed no indication that there is a backmarker team on the grid.
Often, F1 has a squad in the field that is notably behind the others when it comes to the pecking order.
Haas was subject to such a fate in 2021 when it focused its development on the 2022 season and its new regulations, while Williams has often brought up the rear in recent seasons.
But after the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, there was no obvious candidate for the slowest team on the grid.
“As we’ve discussed, there are only a few points available for the midfield teams and everyone is in that midfield, from P6 down it’s all midfield, there is nobody behind,” Steiner said.
“We must take every opportunity. I think we are in the midfield, the upper end of it, but every race could see a change where each team is.
“The only thing to do at the moment is to work hard and try not to make mistakes because they will cost dearly.”
AlphaTauri and McLaren are the only two teams that have not scored points at the opening rounds of the year.
They will be looking to turn their fortunes around at the upcoming race weekend in Australia.
Melbourne was the scene of Haas’ F1 debut as it began its adventure in 2016, scoring an impressive sixth place result in its maiden race.
“I will never forget our first race in 2016 – getting to Australia and being confronted with all the issues we had because it’s still the first race for a team, and it’s very difficult for a new team in Formula 1,” Steiner said.
“For us scoring points, every time I go there I remember that moment and for the team and people who were there on the first day, they still remember it. For us it’s always a great way to come back to that place and remember good memories.”
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