Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner quipped that his drivers are “drinking from a water hose” as they attempt to adapt to life in Formula 1.
Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin have both faced setbacks at the opening two rounds of the 2021 season behind the wheel of the VF-21, which has been the slowest car.
Last time out at Imola, the drivers were thrust into racing in wet conditions in just their second grand prix, with Schumacher spinning under a safety car period and damaging his front wing.
The German still managed to cross the line ahead of Mazepin, who also spun towards the end of the race.
“We just got the rain and had to deal with it and learn from it,” Steiner said. “The drivers are drinking from a water hose at the moment, every grand prix is bringing something new up.
“For learning it’s ideal, just learning things like the processes and how to behave in these situations.
“Once you’ve done these things once, the second time – for sure, it brings a lot less stress I would say. Do you want it all at the beginning – maybe not, but if it comes, you take the experience. I think it’s a good thing all these new experiences.”
F1 is approaching its first double-header of 2021, with Portugal and Spain scheduled for the next two race weekends.
Despite the challenges the first two rounds have presented Haas, Steiner affirms the team will not change its approach going forward into the next events.
“Nothing different from the first two races – get as much experience as possible, get both drivers to the finish in both races, keep learning and increase their race knowledge in Formula 1,” he said.
“The target has not changed, we just keep our heads down and learn as much as possible.”
