Guenther Steiner's idea for Sprints

Haas likes Sprints. Each time this particular format has appeared during Grand Prix weekends this season, the American team has scored on both Saturday and Sunday. Haas even scored half of its current points in the Manufacturers' Championship this season, with 17 units registered (out of 36 in the standings) combining the weekends of Imola and Spielberg, the two previous meetings of this kind. It is therefore with the hope of continuing this momentum that the American team presents itself in São Paulo.

“This year we scored points every time in the sprint and the main race, I sure appreciate that, explains Guenther Steiner. It's a race like any other, but shorter with only eight drivers able to score points. I'm in favor of more Sprints, as it makes the overall race weekend more interesting with qualifying on Friday. What I would like even more is to have a qualification for the Sprint on Friday and another for the main race on Saturday morning, because the Free Practices are not very significant at the moment. The Sprint would then be on Saturday afternoon, then the main event on Sunday. » 

Steiner optimistic about next season

The presence of a Sprint at Interlagos for the second year in a row, however, prevents it from installing the “national hero” at both Grands Prix, Pietro Fittipaldi, at the wheel during FP1. “ Unfortunately he will not be driving in Brazil as it is a Sprint weekend, but he will be back in the car in Abu Dhabi, confirms Guenther Steiner. In Mexico, he was unable to drive for long due to a problem with the car. Having a national hero in his home country always sparks a lot of passion among fans, especially in Brazil. The fans here are very passionate even without having a full-time driver in the sport. »

With two races remaining between now and the end of the championship, Haas is already looking ahead to the 2023 season and the arrival of its new title sponsor MoneyGram. “Everyone on our team is working hard on 2023 now and development is going as planned. I don't know if others are on schedule, or even better than expected, but we will only find out during pre-season testing. Last year we started a little late, because Simone Resta, our technical director, had to put together a team in January, which took a few months. Still, we produced something much better than before and I think this trend will continue. I am very optimistic that we will have a good car for next season. »

It remains to be seen who will settle there. While Kevin Magnussen will always be there, Nico Hulkenberg would hold the rope to replace Mick Schumacher next season.

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