F1 News

Steiner curious about impact of sprint race: Positions for the grid are at stake?

Steiner curious about impact of sprint race: "Positions for the grid are at stake?

13-07-2021 14:12 Last update: 15:00

GPblog.com

This weekend will be the very first time this season that Formula 1 will run with a new schedule during the race weekend. Instead of a third free practice, there will be a 100km sprint race at Silverstone.

Many people have already voiced their opinions before a single kilometre has been covered, including Haas team principal Guenther Steiner. To Speedweek.com he is curious to see how the weekend will turn out for F1 and his team.

"I'm very curious to see how a weekend like this goes and what impact the new format will have. Something new always opens up opportunities, and we want to take advantage of them. Sprint qualifying is a success if the fans like it. They will decide if we see more of it or not." He also thinks the drivers will be looking for a bit more duels.

"I expect toughness from all drivers in these short races. Because everyone knows: positions for the grid are at stake, so we will see a lot of duels. Everyone wants to be able to start from the best possible starting position on Sunday, so they have to do well in sprint qualifying."

Steiner sees opportunities for Haas

According to Steiner, this weekend is not only good to see if this concept has a future. He also sees options for his own drivers to learn more.

"For Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin, this is a great opportunity to practice more starts. For the short race, it's a matter of keeping a cool head and keeping the car on the track." Next weekend will have to prove whether the sprint race format has a chance of success.