Haas - American team in F1

[60DShim]

I listened to the press conference and it became apparent that his main reason is to make Haas Automation global. I don't think winning championships is in the plans. It really seems like it's just a way to sell more cnc machines in the European/Asian market.

[xpensive]

I think the entire thing is a PR-stunt for both Haas and the FIA, when the latter can say; "Look we are attracting new teams!"

When they in reality are losing them.

While Haas is making the most of it; http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns27783.html

[beelsebob]

Wow, he's even admitting right there that they'll already struggle to make the first race.

[langwadt]

I also see Gene's little F1 toe-dipping as a way to raise his own profile for a little bit.

It has to kill him that in spite of owning a NASCAR team, Tony Stewart gets more recognition than he does in NASCAR. This is a good way to get out of the shadows for a little bit and raise his overall profile.

It makes little sense to get involved with F1 as it will not end well for Gene Haas...shades of Jaguar and every other high-profile losing endeavor in F1. He'd be better off saving his money and fielding an IndyCar team. There's nowhere but up for that series to go currently, and I'd rather get in on the ground floor now since the cost to play is far, far less compared to F1.

I agree with this for several different reasons. Frankly, I have serious concerns about the Haas F1 endeavor because of his lack of infrastructure, his lack of development program, and the lack of a team. For a fraction of the cost of F1, Haas can compete in several race series, allowing him to develop relationships with more sponsors, and suppliers. He can interact with more personnel with road racing experience, and poach a few. His team can build a cohesiveness, and plan for the future, by developing protocols ahead of the leap into F1. If he competes in an international series he can build the logistic infrastructure he will someday need to compete in F1.

yeh I sound about as realistic as if an Italian guy decided he wanted to start a (american) football team with italian players and join the NFL

[FW17]

yeh I sound about as realistic as if an Italian guy decided he wanted to start a (american) football team with italian players and join the NFL

http://ifaf.org/countries/federation/2/105

[stefan_]

[iotar__]

I listened to the press conference and it became apparent that his main reason is to make Haas Automation global. I don't think winning championships is in the plans. It really seems like it's just a way to sell more cnc machines in the European/Asian market.

Nothing wrong with that. If you have passion for racing and set sights on victories entering F1 is a good way for spectacular bankruptcy. That's how it's set up.

They stress importance of technical partnership but it can't be nothing more than what Force India used to get. Who's going to drive for them, experienced current driver available in 2015, Kobayashi, Sutil leaving Sauber? Not that many to choose from. Second one - Rossi, someone with money (Van der Garde)?

[sennaf1god.94]

This is the perfect team for a lowprofile old dog like Massa...along with a US rookie like Nascar ´s Ricky Stenhouse, Jr

2016 might be a better year for this start up, today they don´t even have a roof for their headquarter´s building.

[countersteer]

They stress importance of technical partnership

Stewart-Haas is set up that way. They buy chassis and engine from Hendrick Racing. It may be naive to think F1 could be a plug and play arrangement though. IMHO, an F1 car is far far more complex than a Sprint car.

American Drivers? Alexander Rossi and Conor Daly are often mentioned. Josef Newgarden may be worth a look. Can't see a NASCAR driver getting off of their ladder for a start up in F1 regardless of talent.

Whatever ... It's going to be interesting to watch.

[Jersey Tom]

IMHO, an F1 car is far far more complex than a Sprint [Cup] car

Some aspects are, yes. But some aspects of stock cars are far more involved than in F1...

[marcush.]

IMHO, an F1 car is far far more complex than a Sprint [Cup] car

Some aspects are, yes. But some aspects of stock cars are far more involved than in F1...

care to elaborate?

[xpensive]

How anyone can be as naive as to believe this Haas-thing is anymore than a joint PR-stunt by Haas and the FIA is beyond me.

Just look at that press-conference, not committing to anything and what in the world was Gunther Steiner doing there?

And xactly what is Haas saying here; http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns27783.html

Even USF1 and Stefan GP was more believable than this at that point.

[tok-tokkie]

I believe Haas is sincere in what he is trying to do. He has built up a fantastic cnc company which has an excellent reputation - I personally own one of his cnc machining centres.

I wonder about the financial side. F1 is phenomenally expensive so where is the money going to come from; sure Haas Automation can put up a lot and set it off against marketing expenses (he talked about marketing in the video linked above) but there needs to be other significant sources besides Haas.

[xpensive]

Sincere indeed, little wonder MrE likes him, "my kinda guy!"

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2007/nov/06/ ... rison-for/

[countersteer]

Some aspects are, yes. But some aspects of stock cars are far more involved than in F1...

Not to hijack the post, but...

I recognize that the ICE in a stock car has its own unique challenges. (non rev limited, wire valve spring, pushrod engine) I was ignoring that part simply because engines are plug and play these days. (Are Hendrick and Roush the only suppliers now?) But, it seems to me that you can put a stock car on the track from a catalogue. The integration of the components is straightforward and, more importantly, there's plenty of space to work with. It would appear to me that the integration part of it would be far more complex in an F1 car.

I do recognize that the level of competition in Sprint Cup is so tight that it is a huge challenge to go from "getting a car on the track" to winning.

What am I missing?