Haas

History

Founded by American industrialist Gene Haas, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team made its Formula 1 debut in 2016, becoming the first American-headquartered constructor in over 30 years. Operating with a unique business model, Haas strategically leveraged regulations allowing teams to purchase non-listed parts from established constructors, forming a close technical partnership with Ferrari for power units, gearboxes, and various other components. This approach allowed them to enter the sport efficiently, quickly demonstrating competitiveness with points finishes in their inaugural season through drivers Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutiérrez.

The team's early years showcased flashes of strong performance, often punching above their weight. However, the inherent challenges of F1, particularly for a smaller, independent outfit, became apparent. The 2020 and 2021 seasons proved particularly difficult, with the team often at the back of the grid as they shifted focus to the impending 2022 regulation changes. Under the leadership of team principal Guenther Steiner, Haas navigated these lean years, retaining their commitment to the sport. The introduction of the budget cap and new technical regulations in 2022 offered a reset, allowing Haas to demonstrate renewed potential, securing consistent points and showing a clear upward trajectory. Ayao Komatsu took over as Team Principal in 2024, signaling a new chapter focused on technical efficiency and performance optimization from within.

Driving DNA

Haas F1's driving philosophy has often balanced experience with the need to develop new talent. Historically, the team has relied on seasoned professionals like Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hülkenberg to provide crucial feedback and consistent performance, helping to guide the car's development within their resource constraints. This pragmatic approach prioritizes reliability and racecraft, often aiming to maximize opportunities in the midfield rather than chasing outright pole positions.

The team's car design, while heavily influenced by its technical partnership, has consistently aimed for a stable platform that drivers can extract performance from, particularly on race day. While qualifying pace has sometimes been a challenge, Haas has often shown improved performance in race trim, demonstrating an ability to manage tires and execute strategic races. The focus under Komatsu is on refining this engineering approach, ensuring that every component and operational process contributes directly to on-track performance.

The 2026 lineup

Looking ahead to the significant regulatory overhaul in 2026, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is set to field an intriguing driver lineup featuring Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. Bearman, having already made a notable F1 debut in 2024, is slated to step into a full-time seat in 2025, gaining valuable experience before the new era. His rapid rise through the junior categories and impressive F1 outings underscore his potential.

Esteban Ocon, a Grand Prix winner with a reputation for consistent performance and strong racecraft, brings a wealth of experience from multiple F1 teams. His technical feedback and ability to adapt to new machinery will be invaluable as the team navigates the complexities of the 2026 regulations. This combination of a proven, experienced hand and a highly touted young talent represents a strategic move for Haas, aiming to capitalize on both immediate performance and future growth.

What's at stake

The 2026 season represents a pivotal moment for all Formula 1 constructors, and particularly for Haas. With a complete overhaul of technical regulations, including new power unit specifications and revised aerodynamic rules, the playing field could be significantly re-ordered. For a team like Haas, which operates with a leaner structure, getting ahead of these changes offers a rare opportunity to make substantial gains on more established rivals.

The new driver lineup of Ocon and Bearman will be crucial in this endeavor, tasked with developing and extracting the maximum from a completely new generation of F1 car. Their ability to work cohesively with the engineering team, provide clear feedback, and push the limits will define Haas's trajectory in this new era. Furthermore, the continued evolution of their technical partnership with Ferrari, especially concerning the new power unit, will be a critical factor in their competitiveness. Success in 2026 could solidify Haas's position as a consistent midfield contender, proving the efficacy of their unique operational model in a rapidly evolving sport.