Haas could leave Formula 1 in 2021
The lack of results and the rise in costs due to the new regulations have led the owner of the American team Haas F1 to question the continuation of their Formula 1 venture.
Known for its presence in the top category of motorsport despite its low budget, the Haas F1 team entered the world of Formula 1 with an atypical model primarily based on purchasing components from manufacturers and minimal development.
A model that allowed the American team to exist in a sport where the budget is the cornerstone of developing a single-seater.
With the changes that the premier category of motorsport will undergo in 2021 and following a disastrous 2019 season, Gene Haas has stated that he is considering leaving the competition in 2021. The decision will be based on the performances of the first Grand Prix of the upcoming season. “I am waiting to see how this season will start… if we have another bad season, then it will not make sense to stay…” the American stated on the sidelines of the Nascar race that took place in Fontana.
After five years on the grid, it must be said that the team has never managed to compete with the midfield and fight for the Top 5, and the upcoming changes do not bode well given the level of competition. “We have raced for 5 seasons, we will evaluate our F1 experience before deciding whether to continue.”
Apart from his team’s lack of competitiveness and the change in regulations, Gene Haas also pointed out the distribution method of earnings in Formula 1. “As everyone knows, 70% of the funds go to the Top 3, the other seven teams have to share the remaining 30%.” According to the Haas team boss, this economic model is not viable, as the share received by the team represents less than a third of the expenses needed to sustain an F1 team.
With these words, the team director and his drivers now know what to expect; the stakes will be high from the very first races of the 2020 season.
