Triple-headers "not sustainable" for Formula 1 workforce - Steiner

Haas

Triple-headers "not sustainable" for Formula 1 workforce - Steiner

Formula 1 has completed two of this seasons three-race groups

Ewan Gale

Friday 21 August 2020 16:00 Updated: 16:06

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season has proven triple-headers are "not sustainable" for the sport's workforce.

The season began in July with two rounds at the Red Bull Ring and a third in Hungary, whilst the second three-race period has just been completed in Spain.

Steiner admitted the season has been difficult and although the team are happy to be racing, triple-headers in future seasons will "wear people out".

“I think it has been pretty hard, but this year has been special circumstances," said Steiner.

"Because the guys had three-four months off, first of all, to get physically regenerated and then also mentally, I think everybody is still happy that we keep on racing this year with the pandemic going on and that we all keep on having a job.

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“That is the main thing so is a big motivation, but also they are a little bit more rested because they had three months of not doing a lot, or they should have had three months of not doing a lot, I’m not sure what they did.

“I think in a normal year, this is not sustainable to have these races in triple-headers a week in between and then the next triple header a week in between and another triple-header.

“It’s just not sustainable because eventually, you will wear people out. But I think that is not the plan going into the future, so we just have to do it because we have to.

“It is when you’re in survival mode, that is what you have to do. You have to put that extra effort into it."

Steiner reiterated the fact this years car will not be developed through the season as focus turns to 2021 and beyond, before saying he will be "happy to have a weekend off".

"We are always working to get it better for the future," he continued.

"We are not doing any development on this car. We need to get ready for next years car and that is ramping up now because regulations maybe get clearer I’m told.

“I’m happy to have a weekend off next weekend, I will try to take it off, and I hope all the guys do as well because three weeks and all three tough races, it is difficult. It drives your energy level quite a bit down.”

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