This Weird Change May Have Allowed Haas To Reach The Cost Cap

Haas have gone with a new approach to save money for the 2023 season.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has revealed the unique idea which is saving them a reported $250,000 (£207,914).

The American team have gone for a much smaller pitwall perch design which many fans have picked up on during the pre-season testing in Bahrain. Usually, teams will have a minimum of six seats in front of the timing screens, whereas, Haas have just three. 

Steiner spoke to reporters during the first day of the pre-season testing to explain the idea. He said:

"You have six people out there or a quarter of a million on car updates?

"The guys came up with that idea.

"With three seats we can cover what we need to cover and we rearrange. It's mainly a saving to put that money into development because we are at the cost cap.

"The only way to get faster is development so we try to free up as much as possible for development and not spend it on 'prat perches' for example, having a lot of people there."

The 2023 season is notable for featuring a record-breaking 23 races, which means that teams need to transport their equipment across the world frequently.

All teams in Formula One are subject to a strict cost cap, and this has been a particular challenge for the Ferrari-powered Haas team, which has historically operated on the smallest budget. However, with the boost of a new title sponsorship deal with MoneyGram, the team is hoping to improve upon their eighth-place finish from the previous season.

In the sport of Formula One, securing lucrative sponsorship deals has become increasingly crucial for teams like Haas to remain competitive.

Despite the challenges posed by the cost cap, the 2023 season promises to be an enthralling one for fans and drivers alike, with a jam-packed calendar featuring some of the world's most iconic circuits. Teams will be aiming to make the most of their resources and deliver impressive performances throughout the season.