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Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says that the team was behind in pit stop practice for the Australian Grand Prix, which was the cause for its double retirement. The American squad was on for its best-ever finish in Formula 1, before two disastrous pit stops caused both cars to pull over and retire.
Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean were running in fourth and sixth respectively before the duo came in to change tyres. However, on both occasions, a wheel wasn't attached properly meaning both drivers were forced to park up and exit the race prematurely.
With a close battle predicted between Haas, Renault and McLaren for the season ahead, Steiner says that the team will be putting in a lot of pit stop practice ahead of the next round in Bahrain to ensure the team doesn't drop valuable points again.
"As a team, we made mistakes," he said. "We had too much work to do on the car and didn’t practice enough. I think the key to all of this is to get the practice in before the race so that we’re prepared for all aspects of the race.
"Last year, in the second half of the season, we had some of the best pit stops on pit lane. We can do it. I think the lack of practice produced the result in Australia. Nevertheless, stuff like this happens. You get over it and move on," the Italian added.
Fergal Walsh
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Login to replyNorbert
Posts: 108
“…the key to all of this is to get the practice in before the race…”
Yes it’s not personal. It is all training. Considering all the high investments, I am surprised these pit crews often behave like league bowlers and look deconditoned. They need to be drilled and exercised in the off season, and on. Each motion and exchange, down to the number of fingers used, previously considered and patterned by team trainers. It’s the only way to be sure.