Steiner supportive of "demanding" new F1 calendar

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has given his blessing to the latest Formula 1 calendar for this season despite the rash of "demanding" triple-headers.

F1's decision to postpone the season-opening race in Australia until November due to Covid-19 concerns has forced a reshuffle over the second half of a season that boasts a record-breaking 23 races.

It means a run of three triple-headers, including two 16,000-mile round trips, followed by a standalone event in Melbourne before concluding with a double-header in the Middle East.

Last season Steiner voiced his concern at the run of triple-headers, suggesting that "in a normal year this is not sustainable" and that it would "wear people out", albeit adding that "we just have to do it because we have to".

While the calendar would appear to be exacting on the physical and mental wellbeing of all those involved, Steiner believes it is a toll that has to be paid.

“We support the calendar proposed by FOM. It looks like we’ll have a challenging year in front us," Steiner told GPFans Global.

"At this stage, we just need to try to get as many races in as possible. Therefore, we support it, even if it comes with having an added triple-header towards the end of the year.

"For sure, that is demanding for people, but with the situation in front of us, and until the pandemic is under control, this is what we have to do. We have to ask everyone to make an effort.”

Speaking at last year's Russian Grand Prix, McLaren boss Andreas Seidl voiced his fears at the time, claiming there were too many negatives associated with the staging of triple-headers.

"One thing which is crystal clear from our side, which we will clearly communicate to Formula 1, is that triple headers are not a sustainable way to go forward in Formula 1," said Seidl.

"It's very hard on our people. It's simply too long being away from home from our families, and therefore, it's definitely something we are completely against."

Seidl referenced the fact last season was "special" and that "compromises" had to be made "because we need to get the races in to ensure we secure our financial income".

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