Haas Run Special Program at Bahrain F1 Test Despite Backlash From Mercedes & Co.

Haas missed out on 4 hours of practice time during the Barcelona pre-testing. This was caused due to late arrival of their cargo. However, the American team will be allowed to compensate for the missed hours and will be allowed to run extra hours on the days of the Bahrain tests.

However, this decision was opposed by some. 3 teams opposed the proposition that Haas get Sunday all to themselves for testing purposes. This was later changed to them running extra hours on the usual 3 days of the test.

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Toto Wolff on Haas extra testing

Among those who had issues with the extra time afforded to Haas was Toto Wolff. The Mercedes team principal was not happy with the decision that lets Haas catch up on lost testing time due to logistic troubles.

He said that.“I think you need to get the values right,” “The regulations are the regulations and if you start to open it for whatever, even force majeure situations, then it becomes tricky.”

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Although Wolff seemed to be against the idea Mercedes don’t quite mind. The only ones opposing Haas are Alpine and McLaren.

Guenther Stiener’s take

The Haas team principal informed the media that the cargo delay was caused due to some technical issues. Since the flight was chartered by F1, they have allotted Haas additional practice time.

This brings some respite to Haas’s dismal season so far. The American team must make full use of this additional time to collect data and to get their new driver Kevin Magnussen, up to speed. Although the team would have preferred a solo running session on Sunday, they have been denied that request.

Also read: Nikita Mazepin Lashes Out at Haas F1 in Recent Statement: “I Deserved More Support From the Team”

Will this be the turning point in Haas’s season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.