Gene Haas might just be considering selling his Formula 1 team to Andretti, despite previous resistance. According to former Haas team boss Gunther Steiner, the team’s future is anything but certain.
The Haas Formula 1 team, which joined the grid in 2016, took a unique approach by partnering with Ferrari for crucial components and outsourcing the rest to Dallara, an Italian company. While other teams develop their cars in-house, Haas adhered to FIA rules through its innovative third-party arrangements. Initially met with skepticism, this ‘kit car’ approach raised eyebrows, especially when Haas finished fifth in the constructors’ championship in 2018. However, recent seasons have seen the team languishing between eighth and tenth place, struggling with underfunding.
Gene Haas has received offers but remained adamant about not selling. However, the team’s performance issues and inability to compete financially with other teams have made some reconsideration inevitable. This suggestion gains traction with Andretti waiting in the wings. Andretti’s journey to join F1 has been tumultuous, facing opposition from teams and FOM despite FIA approval. Michael Andretti, determined to break into the sport, has even set up a base in Silverstone and recruited top talent, including Pat Symonds.
Experiments with rookie drivers like Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin didn’t pay off for Haas. Their inexperience, despite bringing in sponsorship, was evident. Gunther Steiner rectified this by bringing back Kevin Magnussen and hiring Nico Hulkenberg. The latter has performed admirably but has already decided to move to Sauber/Audi for better prospects. Meanwhile, Andretti’s determination to join F1 has even attracted criticism from F1’s commercial rights owners. During the Miami Grand Prix, CEO Greg Maffei reportedly told Mario Andretti that he’ll do everything to keep Michael Andretti out of F1—talk about drama!
Gunther Steiner, reflecting on his time with Haas, thinks Gene’s unpredictability plays a significant role in the team’s uncertain future. ‘I was there a long time and I still don’t know what he wants to do,’ Steiner admitted. ‘I just don’t know what he thinks because he could be thinking something today and something different tomorrow.’ This whimsical nature makes it unclear whether Haas will be sold to Andretti or not. Yet, with the FIA already approving Andretti’s entry, buying out Haas could be a seamless path for them.
While teams like Sauber/Audi and Williams are investing heavily in their facilities, Haas’s ‘kit car’ strategy may leave them trailing behind. This raises concerns among fans, as sticking to this outdated model might see Haas stuck at the bottom of the table in future seasons.
Whether Gene Haas decides to sell his team to Andretti remains a mystery, wrapped in his unpredictable nature. With Andretti’s fierce determination and Hus’s unique yet faltering approach, the future of the Haas F1 team hangs in the balance. One thing is for sure: F1 fans will be watching closely.
