Mazepin money ensures Haas stability - Steiner

Guenther Steiner has claimed the sponsorship package provided by new rookie driver Nikita Mazepin has helped provide Haas with financial stability in Formula 1.

Mazepin, who finished fifth in last year's F2 standings, partners series champion Mick Schumacher at Haas this year as the pair both make the step up to F1.

It is known Mazepin brings with him significant financial backing and, while Steiner does not believe it was inevitable Haas would eventually need to go down the pay-driver route, he explained the thinking of the decision to sign the Russian.

Speaking prior to Mazepin's infamous groping incident, team principal Steiner said: “At some stage, if you have a business you invest for a while and then you need to try to make it sustainable and a business, and that is part of it.

“We established Haas as a name in F1. It is a well-known team now and we are open to more commercial partners.

“If it comes together, Dmitry Mazepin has got a company, and if he comes together as a sponsor, then why not?”

Drivers perceived to have paid their way onto the grid often face far tougher scrutiny than those who have earned their place on merit.

For Steiner, the ideal scenario lies between the two extremes.

"If somebody is good and has got the financial backing, for sure, he has got a better chance than somebody who is equally good but has no financial backer," explained Steiner.

"Why would you choose that one with no financial backing?”

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