Picture this. Six years after the introduction of three of the most unsuccessful teams in F1's history, a new challenger arises. Born of a country not know for its F1 prowess, and starting from scratch. Lining up alongside McLaren's and Ferrari's. They finish 6th. The next weekend, they do one better.
That's a story that doesn't feel like it ends in failure. But if you're familiar with the team, you know how it ends. America had been clamoring for some representation in Formula 1. Ever since the introduction of COTA, the States wanted to see more than a brief cameo. Even Rossi's beleaguered stint in F1 got him comparisons to Mario Andretti and Phil Hill. As was the ferocious desire for another American champion. So when legendary NASCAR owner and title winner Gene Haas ventured to put his money down on a team, expectations couldn't be higher.
5 years later, and frankly, I can't recall a single race that stands out as much as those first two. Their time in F1 has been riddled with technical errors, pit-box mistakes, and driver failures on a level not seen by other teams.
This year, they took the step into bowing to the existing hierarchy of Formula 1. No longer will they seek to create their own parts. The vast majority will be stocks. Ferrari will consider them their go-to team for development. For a team once built off independence, it's a sorry sight.
What are some of the causes of these failures? The decline of Ferrari's *totally legal* engine didn't help. But their place on the grid hasn't changed since then anyways. The truth is, Haas F1 team is run more like a family than a racing team. They haven't changed their team principle despite languishing near the bottom of the grid for 5 years now. Abiteboul is available and everything points to them not even attempting a move. In the same vein, Grosjean, Magnussen, and Gutierrez's seats were unreasonably secure; even when they were performing at the lowest points in their careers. Every team is trying to get better, but it appear like Haas ins't willing to take the necessary steps to get there. They can't even get any worse, why not try to improve in different ways. If McLaren can kick out Ron Dennis, there's no valid excuses left.
Why stay in Formula 1? Teams like Sauber have a history and a dedicated team already given their lives to Formula 1. Williams were a family team racing for pride. The goal for the Americans is not so clear. All signs point to Haas giving in and selling the team come the start of the new regulations. Rumors are they haven't even tried developing their current car. That means by definition they're relegating themselves to second-to, or last place. Would you rather have the flag on the car and lose? Or know your team isn't constantly finishing last? It's a question only Gene Haas can answer. But as far as American FOrmula 1 goes: it deserves better. And I hope it will get it soon.
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