Steiner: Haas avoid F1 'risk' with driver decision

Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has revealed the decision to retain Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen for next season takes away unnecessary risk.

The American-owned team will continue with its experienced duo into the new term after positive performances from both drivers in an uncompetitive car.

Hulkenberg has been particularly impressive on his return to a full-time F1 seat having spent three years as a reserve with Silverstone-based Aston Martin [previously Racing Point].

The decision to retain its drivers at the end of the summer break is in stark contrast to the long-drawn-out saga involving Mick Schumacher last term, where Haas ultimately opted to dismiss the German's youth for his compatriot's experience.

On where other options lay this time around, Steiner told media including RacingNews365.com: "If you look around at the options, there are not a lot without risks.

"I don't want to take a risk at the moment because I don't think that's appropriate. You can take a risk if the risk is worthwhile to take.

"But at the moment, we want stability and we have one part of the team sorted out well with the drivers, in my opinion.

"Now, we need to work on the car to sort that out - we go step by step.

"A year ago, we were concerned on the drivers but this year they are not a concern and next year, they will not be a concern.

"We tick the box and move on to the next thing we have to improve.

"It is getting more and more difficult with the drivers because either you take a big risk - which is a big opportunity as well."

McLaren gamble pays off

Whilst the resurgence of Fernando Alonso, Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo points to a trend of experience being sought after, Steiner highlighted Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's form at McLaren as proof a gamble on drivers can sometimes pay off.

"McLaren has done very well with its last two drivers, they took Lando and Piastri... he seems to be ok, needs a bit more to come to a conclusion but with Lando, he has done well," said Steiner.

"The other teams, there is one which works and maybe three or four which don't so it is still a risky business to take a young driver.

"How to go about it, I don't know. You have to take risks and just hope for the best."