Russell an example for Haas with points "not impossible" - Steiner

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has insisted it is "not impossible" for the team to replicate George Russell's performances for Williams later in the season.

Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin have been the backmarkers in F1 so far this season after Haas stopped development on the VF-21 ahead of the start of the campaign.

However, with Russell running in the points positions for much of the Styrian Grand Prix before retiring from eighth, Steiner used his rivals in the battle for ninth in the constructors' standings as proof things can be turned around later in the season.

"I think George did a good job, he qualified 11th - never forget that," said Steiner, pointing out Russell's race pace was no fluke.

"He did a very good job and we all know that George is a good driver. He got the car in a good spot set up wise and he performed.

"He was unlucky... lucky for some other people but he at some stage will have a good result. It seems he never has luck on his side."

On whether the fight for ninth is more challenging now that Russell is in the fight for points, Steiner added: "I wouldn't say more difficult, it stays the same.

"For us, I would say later on in the season maybe we can have a good weekend but you need to still work towards this.

"It is not impossible. George had a very good race, a very good qualifying and a very good race and if he performs like this, it will make it more difficult, yes."

Steiner "happy" with Schumacher-Mazepin battle

Much has been made of Schumacher and Mazepin's on-track relations after the close call at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the duo again battling for position at the Red Bull Ring last Sunday.

Steiner pointed to the potential of battling in the midfield next season as to why it is preferential for his drivers to learn their racecraft in battles between each other at the back of the pack this year.

On the battle in Styria, he insisted: "It was very good, it was very respectful between the two of them and no one had to give in. It was just racing.

"I don't want to stop them racing because when I say they should overtake each other... how should they learn it? Next year they need to know how to do it. I think today, they both did a good job in doing it.

"Once, Nikita overtook Mick cleanly and once, Mick overtook Nikita cleanly.

"This is what is normal to me. Hopefully, we will keep it like this but it was very good today, I am very happy with it."

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