History
Founded: The team was founded by Gene Haas, the owner of Haas Automation, an American manufacturer of computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Entry into F1: The team originally planned to enter the F1 grid in 2015, but they postponed their debut to 2016 to ensure a more competitive entry. This delay allowed them more time to prepare and develop the car.
Debut: Haas F1 made their Formula 1 debut in the 2016 season, entering with a partnership with Ferrari for engines and technical support. Their first race was at the 2016 Australian Grand Prix.
Technical Partnership
The team has had a strong technical collaboration with Ferrari, who provide the team with power units and technical guidance. This partnership has been essential in helping Haas F1 establish itself in Formula 1 quickly.
In addition, Dallara is involved in the design and manufacture of the car’s chassis, further allowing Haas F1 to minimize the initial development cost and focus more on adapting the car for F1’s highly competitive environment.
Performance
In their first season (2016), Haas F1 finished 8th in the Constructors’ Championship, with driver Romain Grosjean scoring points in their very first race.
Over the years, Haas has generally competed in the midfield, occasionally achieving strong results, though consistency has been a challenge.
In the 2018 season, they achieved their best-ever position of 5th in the Constructors’ Championship, driven by Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean.
More recently, the team has struggled with performance, especially with the challenges posed by aerospace development and budget constraints. They have occasionally struggled to extract the full potential of their car.
Sponsorships and Commercial Partnerships
The team secured a major title sponsorship deal with MoneyGram in 2023, which led to the official rebranding to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.
Haas has also had various other sponsors over the years, including major American companies like Rich Energy and Jack & Jones.
Team Personnel
Gene Haas is the owner of the team and has been a significant force in its direction and growth.
The team has had multiple drivers over the years, with Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen being some of the most notable. More recently, Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin drove for the team.
As of the 2023 season, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg were the team’s drivers, both bringing experience and potential for good results.
Future and Challenges
While Haas F1 has faced challenges, including financial difficulties and the inherent difficulties in competing against larger, more established teams, they remain a significant part of the Formula 1 grid.
The team’s future largely depends on the ongoing development of its car, its ability to attract new sponsors, and how it adapts to the evolving technical landscape of Formula 1, especially with the new 2022 regulations.