Image courtesy of Scuderia Ferrari.
Let’s assume Gene Haas’s foray into F1, Haas F1, actually makes the grid in 2016. I know, I know, I said let’s assume. As an American, I want an American F1 team to succeed, badly. Unfortunately, I remember US F1 well, very well, all too well. For the moment, however, we’re going to fast-forward to 2016 and declare success.
Many pundits have speculated on the wide range of possible American drivers that might pilot a car for Haas. While it’s fun to elaborate on why Danica Patrick will never, ever, never race in F1, it’s been done. Alexander Rossi is the only viable American candidate for Haas. It’s really that simple.
Or is it? Didn’t see that coming did you? Rossi was a reserve driver for both Caterham and Marussia. He drove in free practices. He did not, however, race in F1. He’s raced and won in GP2. Out of 32 GP2 races he has an impressive, er, single victory. Ok, ok. That’s ok. He was a champion in Formula BMW, uhm, but in 2008. His best championship standing since then was third in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2011. Respectable results, but not exactly blazing a path to future F1 champion.
I know Gene Haas wants an American driver, but does he want a rookie driver that has a, just ok, record to drive for his rookie team at the pinnacle of motorsport? The mighty Ferrari rarely takes inexperienced drivers. You have to go all the way back to Gilles Villenueve (who only had one F1 race with McLaren prior to his Ferrari drive) to find an inexperienced driver take the wheel of a Ferrari. And that’s important, because Haas F1 may be less the all-American dream and more Scuderia Ferrari Team B.
In the world of Ferrari, much has been happening lately (aside from that whole Alonso guy and the firing of half of Maranello). In fact, Ferrari has signed two F1 drivers just recently, Esteban Gutierrez and Jean-Eric Vergne. However, why does Ferrari need either of them? They say it’s because they lost Pedro de la Rosa, their primary test and development driver in the simulator. Yet, Ferrari still employ Marc Gene, Davide Rigon, and a slew of former F1 drivers down in the sportscar ranks. In other words, Ferrari have drivers.
Haas F1 does not. Gene Haas tends to mention his Ferrari connection any time he talks about Haas F1 lately. It’s smart to partner with Ferrari. I can not fault him for his alliance. I also cannot fault Ferrari for swinging their weight in the decision-making at Haas F1. If Haas F1 truly is a Ferrari B-Team, Haas F1 have just announced their 2016 drivers, courtesy of Ferrari, to be Esteban Gutierrez and Jean-Eric Vergne. Otherwise, Ferrari has no need for additional former F1 drivers waiting in line for the simulator.
In America, if you can’t find an American driver, a Mexican one is the next best thing. Gutierrez is an experienced F1 driver from Mexico that brings wads of cash. Haas needs a North American driver and cash. Check. Jean-Eric Vergne is an experienced F1 driver from France with something to prove. Haas needs speedy experience and as for being French, well, it wouldn’t be the first time the French bailed-out Americans.
