Fittipaldi: Haas definitely need to improve technically

While Kevin Magnussen did a good job on his return to the team last year, not so much this year as the Dane has been made to look ordinary by Nico Hulkenberg, who is also relishing a return to the top flight.

But as good as the driver combo is, the technical side lags at the American team which needs addressing claims Fittipaldi, a double F1 World Champion.

In an interview with SpilXperten after the Italian Grand Prix, Fittipaldi did not mince his words: “Haas has not had a good season, but I am sure that they are working 24/7 to find a solution that can improve their performance.

"They definitely need a technical solution. Why do they lose downforce? Is it a combination of the engine and the aerodynamics? I don't know."

Probably no one really knows. The reality is that this year the grid has been as close as it has ever been in F1, often less than a tenth of a second separate the top ten even top dozen. It's an era in which the finest margins are the difference between an early shower Q1 knock-out or Q3 and a top-ten start.

“Every year you always have ups and downs," explained Fittipaldi: "We saw what happened with McLaren at the beginning of the year – they were struggling and now they are doing really well. But Haas definitely need to improve technically."

The Brazilian legend was nevertheless impressed with the Haas team's driver line-up: "Hulkenberg is doing a fantastic job in my opinion. When I first met him, he was driving for the German team in the A1 Grand Prix. He was a very impressive driver. He is one of the drivers who has been underestimated in the context of F1. He is fast. Very quick."

"And Kevin Magnussen is also really good. He showed his quality and speed last year, but not so much this year. But Haas definitely needs technical improvements in the car and in the team," insisted Fittipaldi.

Stats back the 76-year-old's observations as Haas are eighth in the 2023 F1 Constructors' standings on 11 points, with Hulkenberg having scored nine of those points in the first 14 rounds of this season Both the German and his Danish teammate Magnussen will remain with the team in 2024.