“We Need to Give Them a Reason Why We are Not Dangerous” – Haas F1 Boss Guenther Steiner on Resuming 2020 Season

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Formula One is debating on an opportune moment to kick off the 2020 season. However, Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner sent out a stern warning to F1 and Liberty Media. He insisted that the sport needs to prove that it is “not dangerous” before the 2020 season can finally begin.

With nine races cancelled or postponed, Formula One is pushing for July 5th’s Austrian Grand Prix to kick off the season. If that does come to pass, the race will likely go ahead behind closed doors and may feature as a double-header. In addition to that, the British GP may follow suit, two weeks later.

“It’s important to have a positive outlook, a light at the end of the tunnel,” Steiner told the Sky Sports F1 Vodcast. “I can hope – I cannot confirm anything – that the Austrian government gives us the go-ahead, and we come up with good enough ideas that we protect the people in Austria and ourselves, that we don’t get it, that we don’t spread it. We are working hard on it.”

What else did the Haas F1 boss say?

Admittedly, the event’s logistics are still being finalised. The idea is to ensure that all F1 personnel present at the circuits are safe. This includes teams, track marshals, medical and security staff.

According to Steiner, teams are in the process of deciding, “how many people we can leave at home to work. The fewer people you have, the less risk you carry. So we are trying to do a good job there, being responsible”.

As per reports, F1 employee attendance may be limited to around 1,000 personnel at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone. Obviously, there will be plenty of risks.

Steiner concluded, “We need to give them a reason why we are not dangerous. Dangerous by not spreading the disease, obviously. We need to help with that, and we hope we can go racing again in July. I’ve read that Austria is doing well, not spreading any more. However, they don’t want us in there to get it going again.”