Finishing in 5th in 2018, unfortunately, still remains the highlight of Haas’ eight years in the sport. Apart from the constant lack of title sponsors and budgetary concerns, the American team is also facing a huge problem with their drivers. In the last two seasons, they waved their goodbyes to two young drivers, Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, and are currently racing with Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen. However, despite these driver changes, going for experience over young, exciting talent, 2023 was yet another season where Haas was a backmarker. So, it may not entirely come as a surprise when there have been calls to relieve Magnussen and Hulkenberg of their duties.

Haas’ VF-23 looked fast over a single lap on many occasions. However, thanks to its high tire degradation, there was nothing much that the two drivers could do apart from qualifying in the upper midfield of the grid and watching points slip away during the race. Despite the car’s faults, however, a Dutchman feels that Haas has to part ways with their two drivers immediately.

As reported by formule1.nl, Dutch Dakar Rally racing driver Tom Coronel urged Guenther Steiner to reconsider bringing some fresh blood into the team. “I am really sick of men like Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen at Haas,” said Coronel. “They were gone [from F1]. But if you’re gone, stay away and give new guys a chance as a team. Then you build a future. These men have no future. It wasn’t for nothing that this was said goodbye in the past, right? As a Formula 1 team, you should never go for certainty.” [Translated by Google]

He explained that this would never have happened if Bernie Ecclestone were still running Formula 1. “Let’s be honest. A line-up with Magnussen and Hulkenberg is just boring. Believe me, in Bernie Ecclestone’s time, this wouldn’t have happened. He would have really reported to Haas and convinced those men that this is not the way the game is played.”

Guenther Steiner Vehemently Defends Haas as Nico Hülkenberg Openly Flogs American Team for Vegas Debacle

Despite criticisms, however, Haas is continuing with the existing driver pairing for the 2024 season. If Kevin Magnussen is to be believed, Haas might be on the verge of a major step up for the 2024 season.

Kevin Magnussen is hopeful of a better 2024

Kevin Magnussen is optimistic about his team’s chances for the 2024 season. “This team has already shown great potential, and it’s time for us to consistently achieve our goals,” the Dane stated after the Abu Dhabi GP. While every team in the paddock is tight-lipped about their 2024 challengers, there’s a significant chance that Haas might be competitive come Bahrain.

In theory, Haas might benefit greatly if Ferrari manages to make a significant step up over the winter break, considering the American team uses Ferrari engines. The problem with tire degradation was not only with Haas but also with Alfa Romeo, the other Ferrari customer team, which was also one of the Maranello outfit’s biggest weaknesses. If Ferrari manages to figure out a solution, and given that Haas had the pace this year when the tires were in the right window, there is a genuine possibility that Haas could fight for points regularly.

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However, depending on Ferrari to carry the American teams to points is not a sustainable long-term strategy for the Guenther Steiner-led team. They will have to increase their development prowess, or they risk continuing this poor run of form, even in 2024.

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