Steiner: The effect of the new rules exceeded expectations

Before the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Haas F1 boss Günther Steiner summarized the results of the final stage and spoke about the Imola race…

Q: The weekend in Melbourne turned out to be difficult, your riders couldn’t earn points. But what were the positive moments? How will this experience help you in Imola?
Gunther Steiner: The whole weekend in Melbourne was very difficult, from problems with Mick’s car, ending with Kevin’s ill health. Despite these difficulties, we were close to earning points. In the race we were unlucky with the safety car getting out, but Australia is already behind.

I can’t say the weekend was negative, but the battle this year is very tight, you have to be perfect to earn points.

What do we use in Imola? The fact that we have a really competitive car. I hope it stays that way and that Imola will do it without any problems.

Q: In the three races after the rule change we saw a lot of battle on the track, more opportunities to overtake. Do you think the new regulations have contributed to more entertainment?
Gunther Steiner: Doubtless. It seems like everything worked out. The cars look great, everyone is different – and very competitive. Now there is the feeling that some cars work better on some tracks, others on others. But overall, the effect of the new rules exceeded expectations.

Q: Imola will host the first sprint weekend on Saturday this year. How will this factor affect race preparation as the teams are still learning new cars?
Gunther Steiner: It won’t be easy for everyone, because before qualifying we only have one practice to find the right settings. Given the complexity of these machines and the lack of experience with them, this won’t be easy – those who can do it better will gain the advantage. We will do everything possible. I think the sprint races are good for the championship, I’m looking forward to it.

Q: Formula 1 announced last month that Imola would run until 2025. With the addition of new stages to the calendar, is it still important to ride stages on historic circuits?
Gunther Steiner: Compromise is important. The track in Imola is back on the calendar during the pandemic, when we didn’t have enough places to race. We saw it was great, in Imola we saw it was great – and we found funds to hold the Formula 1 round.

Will Imola stay on the calendar? I don’t know. Will others come? Secure. Are others leaving? Also sure.

There is not one correct answer here. The question is how the situation in the world will develop, how the economy will develop, where they will be interested in holding the Grand Prix.