Haas Poised for Powerhouse Lineup in 2025 Formula 1 Season
(Motorsport News, May 2024)
Haas, the American Formula 1 team, has found itself in an unfamiliar yet enviable position as they prepare to finalize their driver lineup for the 2025 season. With a plethora of race-winning drivers vying for a seat at the team, Haas is set to field a formidable pairing that could propel them into the upper echelons of the midfield.
Since their debut in 2016, Haas has never had the luxury of choosing from a pool of proven race winners. However, under the leadership of new team boss Ayao Komatsu and a rejuvenated owner in Gene Haas, the team has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Currently seventh in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship with seven points, Haas has scored points on four occasions and made Q3 three times this year, courtesy of the experienced Nico Hulkenberg.
The team’s improved performance and enhanced relationship with long-time partner Ferrari have made Haas an increasingly attractive destination for top-tier drivers. This has left Komatsu and Gene Haas with a conundrum, but a welcome one, as they navigate the driver market for the 2025 season.
With Hulkenberg departing for Sauber/Audi and Kevin Magnussen‘s contract expiring at the end of the year, Haas has two seats to fill. Ollie Bearman, the Ferrari junior, is heavily tipped to secure one of the drives, with sources suggesting a near-done deal between the team and Ferrari. The young Briton has impressed Haas with his ability to adapt quickly and deliver during his FP1 appearances and a standout debut in Saudi Arabia.
As for the second seat, Magnussen faces a fight to retain his place, with his poor form and the interest from race-winning drivers like Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly putting him on the backfoot. Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, is a leading contender, as Haas seeks to pair the experienced Finn with rookie Bearman. Ocon and Gasly, both Grand Prix winners, are also in the running, with their pedigree and wealth of experience making them attractive options for the American outfit.
Haas’s transformation from a team struggling to find solid drivers to a destination that can attract race-winning talent is a testament to the hard work and vision of Komatsu and Gene Haas. As the team finalizes its 2025 lineup, the motorsports world eagerly awaits to see which drivers will don the iconic Haas colors and lead the team’s charge towards the front of the Formula 1 grid.
🔗 Source