Steiner: Rivals jumped on bandwagon over F1 warning

Guenther Steiner believes that the Haas team were among the first to highlight the increased difficulties with overtaking in Formula 1.

F1 drivers have become increasingly vocal about the reduced chances of overtaking in the sport, which was highlighted by somewhat uneventful racing at the Grand Prix weekend in Azerbaijan.

In Baku, the Drag Reduction System (DRS) zone was shortened, which many believe negatively affected the racing.

The FIA have chosen to reduce more DRS zones for the Miami Grand Prix, which has been mostly met with disapproval from the drivers.

When asked for his opinion on the overtaking difficulties in Formula 1, Haas Team Principal Steiner called for an analysis into the issue, and said that his team were among the first to spot the problem.

"I think we were one of the first to say something because our drivers complained quite a bit, saying it is worse than with the '22 car and we were told it was mainly our car," Steiner told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"But now everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and saying it is more difficult so at the beginning we were standing alone when we mentioned it, and said there are only one or two teams finding it more difficult, maybe they have developed the wrong direction.

"I think it is in general with the change of regulation last year, it didn't get any better. The other thing is we are shortening the DRS zones. I tried to find out why we are doing that and I still haven't found and answer.

"I don't know why it was decided, I don't think it is dangerous - if someone can explain to me why then I am prepared to listen but I never had an answer.

"So we need to start to look at why overtaking is more difficult, maybe it has to do with the change of the floor from last year to this year, maybe it is because everyone has more downforce now and that makes it worse to follow... it could be a combination.

"We have to be careful that we do not turn the regulations around again in August for next year. That is annoying because you put a lot of money and development into a car and then you need to change.

"It needs to come on the table and talked about, not try to push it away."

Steiner suggested that the issue will never truly disappear from Formula 1, owing to the continuous pursuit for additional car performance and downforce.

"We know from history that when you try to find more downforce, it always damages the people which are behind," added Steiner.

"They [the engineers] do their job to make the cars faster which is putting more downforce on, they are not worried by if you can follow.

"If you are slow because you have good wake and cannot follow anybody, you are not overtaking anyway."