Exclusive: Why Haas is not seeking ‘quick fix’ for next F1 title sponsor
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The American outfit has been left without a title sponsor for 2022 after terminating its previous deal with Uralkali and Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s contract in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the end of February. It marked the second successive title sponsor for Haas that has lasted 12 months or less, with the team cutting ties with previous partner Rich Energy – headed by the outspoken and eccentric William Storey – just 14 races into the 2019 season after experiencing a volatile relationship.Verstappen on F1 rival Hamilton’s Chelsea bid: He’s an Arsenal fan!Why Imola’s sprint F1 weekend won’t suit Red Bull or MercedesHow to watch F1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with F1TVSpeaking exclusively to ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Steiner insisted there is “no timeline” for Haas to find a new title sponsor. “Absolutely no timeline,” Steiner said. “If we find one quick that would be fantastic but it needs to be for the right reasons. We don’t want just a quick fix at the moment. Related Why Imola’s sprint F1 weekend won’t suit Red Bull or Mercedes Leclerc admits watch thief search hasn’t been ‘smooth’ process“We want a mid-to-long-term partner that goes with us and stays with us. That is the aim and obviously we learned our lessons from the past and try to apply them.“You learn out of things you’ve done before and we don’t want to replicate them anymore.”3016897.0064.jpg When asked if the controversy surrounding the previous deals had made Haas more wary or changed its approach to finding new sponsors in any way, Steiner replied: “No, the process is always the same. You try to always do your best and we always try to do better than before.” Haas waiting for ‘best package’ Speaking in a separate media session, Steiner stressed a deal would not solely be based on money but also making sure it is the best overall “package” for Haas. Related F1 driver market: Who is signed up for 2023 and beyond? Sainz signs Ferrari F1 contract extension until 2024“We are waiting for the best package,” Steiner explained. “It’s a combination of things; the best offer, the best sponsor. “Just not doing something and taking a deal today that maybe in six months you find out you shouldn’t have done it. It’s sometimes better to sit back because if somebody is still waiting, they can wait three or six months. “4“It’s not a rush and if the deal we think is not good enough going forward, we don’t have to do a deal this year. It’s not a must. There is stuff coming in but we need to do it right.” 3033648.0064.jpg Asked if there is any rush from a financial perspective to secure a new title sponsor, Steiner quipped: “If you have got some money, I am rushing to get it to me!“We will be okay without. There is always a need for money because this should be a business and not a money-wasting machine. “But you have to do the right thing and sometimes waiting for the right thing helps you more in the mid-to-long term. That is the focus for me and the team. “5“We are in a good position in terms of performance, now we need to make commercially good positions going into the mid-to-long term.” Haas heads into this weekend’s race at Imola occupying seventh in the constructors’ championship having scored 12 points across the opening three rounds.
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