Haas chief: Ferrari car comparison story ‘getting old’

Haas is yet to have been officially contacted following concerns raised by rival teams about any illegal crossover with Ferrari in the design of its Formula 1 car, with team principal Günther Steiner saying the story is “getting old”.

Haas turned heads at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix as it led the midfield pack, only to come under fire from McLaren and Force India over the design of its car.

Teams are required to design their own aerodynamic components on their cars, but Fernando Alonso said he thought the 2018 Haas was a “replica” of the 2017 Ferrari.

While Haas and Ferrari do enjoy a close technical relationship permitted by the regulations, the team has refuted claims it has gone too far.

Force India had suggested the FIA should look into the partnership between Ferrari and Haas to ensure no regulations are being breached, but Steiner confirmed no contact has been made.

“Nobody has spoken to me They have spoken about us, but not to me, so I’m not worried about it,” Steiner said.

“That’s the only comment I want to make on this one, because it’s getting old, this story. I know you guys need information but it’s a non-event. If someone has got a problem they know where to go.

“Speak to people and not about people. They are free to do what they want to do.”

Steiner said that he is happy to discuss the matter at the next F1 Strategy Group meeting, but doubted it would be a topic worth dwelling on.

“We can discuss it at the Strategy Group meeting as long as you want, but if you are not doing something wrong then I think the discussion will be pretty short,” Steiner said.

“What’s wrong here? Nothing. So let’s discuss a non-event.”