Haas not being a "pushover" annoys rivals - Steiner

Guenther Steiner believes Haas have shown themselves not to be a "pushover" on the Formula 1 grid, and the fact they're not, annoys those around the American team.

Haas only joined Formula 1 back in 2016, with the team finishing eighth in their first two seasons in F1 - before rising to fifth in 2018.

It was a very tight battle in the midfield last season; which also caused some legal battles between Haas and Renault, and with Force India.

Asked by Autosport if Haas are still finding out how assertive to be with other teams, Steiner replied: "I think so because when you come into the sport you cannot just demand the respect. You have to earn your respect.

"We're putting a good show on and always do what we say we're going to do. We're competitive out on track and behaving well for the sport and a good addition to the sport.

"(So) you are recognised more," Steiner continued. "But there is still a long way to go, because always the guy that wins can have the biggest voice and we have got a long way to go to get there."

Haas finished the season, losing an appeal against Romain Grosjean's disqualification from the Italian Grand Prix, and also protested the eligibility of Force India ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

However, Steiner "does not care" about annoying other teams, saying: "It's part of what you're doing.

"If you have to make a cake, you need to break eggs. You can't do it without it. (But) I don't do it intentionally. I don't get up in the morning (to do that) but you have to.

"It's part of getting better. It's just like getting the respect, not be a pushover and do what you need to do. It's part of the learning as well. You have done all the steps, you've got the experience, then the second time you will be better.

"You have to start somewhere. And whoever is around; you start with them!"