Steiner 'doesn't understand' doubt over Silverstone's F1 future

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says he doesn't understand why Formula 1 and Silverstone are finding it difficult to pen an agreement to keep the circuit on the calendar.

Silverstone's current contract expires after the 2019 event, following the activation of a release clause in 2017.

MORE: Magnussen had 'handshake' deal with Force India for 2014 seat | Grosjean: Drivers know better than anyone what's best for 2021

While Silverstone has confirmed that it is continuing to negotiate with Liberty Media, Steiner is hoping that the 'classic' circuit remains on the schedule going forward.

"Commercially, it doesn't make much of a difference to us," the Italian said. "Emotionally, it makes a difference.

"Silverstone is one of the classics and I'm the first one to say at some stage if commercial doesn't make sense anymore, then we can't live with classics and the good old days.

"For me, at Silverstone there must be a way to make it commercially viable. I don't understand why not, a lot of races can do it. I hope it stays, it's an interesting track.

"A lot of teams are in England, there's a big following of motorsport in England. It's the home of motorsport and there should be things put in place to make it stay."

Second US race good for F1, not Haas

Steiner says that a second race in the United States would benefit Formula 1, but not so much Haas, who already has grand recognition in the US.

Liberty Media has explored the possibility of establishing a second race in the US, with a deal in Miami for 2020 coming close to being confirmed before the settlement was postponed. 

"I talk in general for F1, it is interesting to have more races in the US because it's a growing market, F1 in the US," Steiner said. 

"There is a potential which is huge, there is a big population and F1 is not big there. It's very important for F1 to grow in the US. For Haas, it's not really important.

"Mr [Gene] Haas started this team to get his brand recognition around the world.

"In the US the market share of Haas is over 50 per cent in machine tools, so there is not a lot to be gained from that one. But in general, if F1 grows in the US, it's good for all of us."

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country IT
  • Date of b. Apr 7 1965 (60)
  • Place of b. Merano, Italy, IT
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 0 m
Show full profile

Team profile

  • comments 71,660 comments on Haas
  • star 16 members have this team as their favourite
  • vote Tweets about Haas
Show full profile
show sidebar