Guenther Steiner predicts a red flag-ridden race in Baku after chaotic Australian GP
Guenther Steiner says the new sprint format is much cooler and could cause more chaos.
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Guenther Steiner. Image via Autosport.
Formula 1 will feature a new sprint race format in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The F1 teams agreed unanimously to make the changes. The new format includes Practice and Qualifying on Friday, Sprint Qualifying and Sprint race on Saturday, and the feature race on Sunday. The format is controversial as drivers like Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, are not fond of it. Christian Horner called it “absolutely ludicrous” to start the first sprint race of the year in a street circuit like Baku.
However, the Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner, is a fan of the new format. Steiner is pleased with the new update. He compared the practice sessions to “watching grass grow.” The Haas team boss admitted that they learned something about the tires during the sessions, but it was not worthwhile. Steiner feels that the new format will be intriguing. To quote him, “It will be much cooler like this.”
The Azerbaijan GP is a high-speed circuit, and there has been drama that occurred in the past. Steiner expects a chaotic race. The last round of Formula 1 in Australia was drama-filled and brought out three red flags. The race ended with a dramatic conclusion. According to Guenther Steiner, Azerbaijan’s first Sprint event might exceed expectations and make the race more chaotic than the Australian GP.
Steiner told Racer, “It could be, but that makes it interesting. Hopefully, there is no chaos, but it could be. Baku is always a race… If you think in Australia we had three red flags, can you imagine how many red flags we will have in Baku in two races?!” It is safe to say the 58-year-old is expecting chaos in round four of the 2023 Formula 1 season. Red Bull team boss, Horner was against the idea initially for the same reason. He looked at the format from a cost cap perspective and revealed if the car is trashed, it could cost a lot of money.
Guenther Steiner urges F1 to prove itself by fixing the potential issues
Steiner does not have any reservations about the timing of the decision. He feels that the teams would be able to deal with the new format quickly despite the decision made only in Melbourne. He said the teams should overcome the hurdles and produce a good show in Baku. “We have to deal with new things, but we always say F1 is so advanced that if in three weeks we cannot get this together, then I think we need to change jobs, and not tell people how advanced Formula 1 is!”
Though the teams unanimously agreed to change in race weekend format, some had expressed their concerns. However, they feel watching it from a fan’s point of view, it could be one of the most exciting races of the year. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali previously quoted he was a supporter of the cancellation of free practice sessions. He felt that the public did not like it. Drivers like George Russell and Lando Norris agreed with Domenicali. Despite the mixed opinion in the paddock, the sprint race format will take place at the Azerbaijan GP.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)