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Steiner: Rich Energy sponsorship is Haas' biggest ever deal

20:00, 26 Oct 2018

byBobby Vincent

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes that his squad's new partnership with Rich Energy is their "biggest deal" to date.

Building up to the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, Haas F1 announced their new sponsorship with UK-based energy drinks brand Rich Energy as its new title sponsor for the 2019 season.

"It's our biggest deal up to now," Steiner claimed to Crash. "I think it shows what we are doing here is recognised from people outside, because the first year is always difficult to get sponsors.

"First of all, you have to prove yourself, and then you get approached, but it's for very low numbers because they think you are cheap. We decided not to do that.

"This came along, and we just found an agreement between the two of us, between the two companies. We started to talk with them, and it came along pretty quickly."

There have been doubts amongst the F1 paddock regarding whether or not Rich Energy could fund an F1 team following their failed attempt to buy out Force India when they went into administration.

However, Steiner reiterates the team are completely satisfied with their partnership and believes it is an indication of how far the American outfit have come.

"We are happy about the partnership, and for sure, that is why they're doing it, now they've got the exposure, they'll get even more well-known. They will grow.

"Now we are in three years the Haas F1 name is I think pretty well-established, I think everybody would agree to that. Now everyone knows what Haas F1 is which in the beginning it wouldn't have been if we'd have another one in it.

"If a partner comes along which contributes enough to do something together as well, because this gives us opportunities, why not do it? I think it will help the team."