Steiner: I think Haas are here to stay

One of the hotter topics in F1 before COVID-19 took over, Gene Haas made it known in early March he was hesitant to commit to another five-year term in the sport, implying the cost and lack of competitive balance was discouraging him.

However Steiner, who already moved to play-down the comments after the aborted Australian Grand Prix, has expressed further optimism over his team's future.

"For sure we have to see out this [COVID-19] scenario but if we can get in what the plan is now [18 races], we are good for the year," he told

"I'm in touch with Gene almost every day, he wants to be involved with what is happening, and he seems to be in a good place.

"We just need to be diligent. The budget cap, all this brings the teams together and being competitive will help. So I think we are here to stay."

Currently the teams are negotiating to lower the incoming budget cap from its original $175 million figure, with a decrease to $150m already agreed, but several small teams pushing to lower it further.

From Steiner's perspective those changes should assuage Haas' concerns.

"if we find solutions for the mid and long-term [then Gene Haas] is happy".

"We need to come up with solutions which I think we are. If we do he wants to keep on going racing."