Haas boss Günther Steiner believes that Formula 1 drivers will “drive hard” in sprint qualifying – but ask his drivers to “keep their noses clean”.
Formula 1 will use a revised format at Silverstone, with qualifying on Friday evening and a 17-lap race – called sprint qualifying – scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
It has led to speculation that the drivers in Sprint Qualifying could proceed cautiously so as not to risk their starting position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
But Steiner believes it won’t, despite insisting that his rookie duo Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin should still avoid drama.
“I think the drivers will definitely drive hard because everyone drives hard in qualifying and this is like a sprint race that defines the qualifying positions,” he said.
“On Sunday, when it comes to points, you want to start the race as best you can.
“On our part, this year it’s all about learning, so to run the race and start a few more races in the course of the year due to the sprint qualifying format, next year will be an advantage.
“During the sprint, I’ll tell you to keep your nose clean and keep the cars on the track.”
Steiner is cautiously optimistic that the sprint qualifying will find a positive response from the Formula 1 fans.
More trials are set to take place in Italy, and likely Austin as well, before a full assessment is made of whether it will be adopted more regularly in 2022.
“I’m looking forward to it because it’s something new and something new always offers opportunities and hopefully we can be a part of it,” he said.
“I think success will be if the fans like it. At the moment I think it’s a good format, but if we can improve something and the fans accept it, that would be good and then I would say let’s do more of it. ”
The post Steiner is certain that F1 drivers will “drive hard” in Sprint Qualifying – Motorsport Week first appeared on monter-une-startup.
