Steiner confident heading to Austria, despite no Haas shakedown

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is not worried that his Formula 1 team is going against the grain in not holding a pre-Austria test.

Mercedes and Renault have completed two day test in older machinery and Ferrari have plans for something similar, while Racing Point used a 'filming day' to give the 2020 RP20 a brief run.

Steiner confirmed Haas has no such plans.

"I think it is an advantage, I will not deny that, but it isn't big," Steiner told conference call of invited media, including GPFans.

"Our guys are working in the factory in Banbury to put the car together, so they have to do social distancing there while they work. I'm not too worried about that one.

"For sure, we practised the new protocols in the garage instead of out on the track. It's useful, an excuse to do a shakedown, which, if you've got the finances you want to do it, for sure."

Working on one of the smallest budgets in Formula 1, Haas need to maximise the gain for each dollar spent.

Steiner acknowledges that this is a risky strategy, but the Italian has faith that the team as a whole are strong enough to negate any gains made by their midfield rivals.

Steiner added: "We take a little bit more of a risk in these things because I know we've good people, and we will deal it, with the race weekend, and we will be in a good position when we get to Austria.

"I've no worry about it at all.

"Could we do a shakedown? Yes. Not doing it, are you worried? No."

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