Steiner ‘still not over’ Haas' British GP collision

Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner says he is “still not over” the clash between his drivers at the British Grand Prix.

Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen collided on the opening lap at Silverstone, causing damage to both cars that ultimately signalled a premature end to the grand prix for the American squad, which languishes ninth in the constructors’ championship having failed to record points since Monaco.

Steiner talked with both drivers after the race but admits he is still reeling from the incident, having already been forced to lay down the law for his drivers following a clash at May’s Spanish Grand Prix.

“I’m still not over it, because you have got a certain amount of opportunities, and obviously this year we are struggling in some of the races,” he said.

“I could now say the car would have been fantastic, which is not true, but on Friday it was a lot better on long runs, if you compare them it was factual.

“Again, if it would have been the same in the race 100 percent I cannot say but the chances were high. And then you go out on Turn 5 and we are P9 in the championship, and I think our position does not reflect where we are in reality.

“We have got these big ups and downs, and when we have got ups, we put ourselves down one way or another, so that is quite frustrating.

“I can do a lot but I think they need to understand where we are,” he added. “That’s the disappointing thing for me.

“They don’t let me down as a person, they let the team down which is disappointing. Like I say I’m still not over it.

“Normally I get over things pretty quick, but this one, because we had a clear talk after Barcelona about what to do and what not to do, and it wasn’t followed, which is disappointing.”

Asked if he felt both drivers were equally to blame for the collision, Steiner - who said he will talk to Grosjean and Magnussen about the situation again ahead of this weekend’s German Grand Prix - replied: “Yes I think it is equal because my instructions from Barcelona were quite clear even if the guy has gone back he will be put forward again so that should have taken that question out.

“Otherwise you are sitting around the table forever and you never end up at 100% to 0%, it is always 70-30 or 60-40 and then you discuss and discuss and never get a conclusion.

“Instead of having that I said let’s do it like this. We look afterwards and if the guy lifted which was right then he will then move forwarded if needed.”