I'm pretty new to F1. I've always known about the sport, but this season is the first time I've really gotten into it. I decided to support Haas because of the connection between their U.S. headquarters in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and my hometown in Virginia.

I've watched every race this season, and I have a few questions.

The biggest one is: why do Haas cars seem so much slower than the competition? They use Ferrari power units, and with Toyota now involved in the partnership, I expected the cars to be more competitive. Yet they seem to get pushed around on track almost every weekend.

For example, this past race Hadjar started effectively at the back after an early setback, made three pit stops, and still fought his way to P6. Meanwhile, Bearman was running in P10 at one point but gradually got overtaken and couldn't hold position.

So is Haas' biggest issue the drivers or the car? Bearman looks very talented, and Ocon has a lot of experience, but neither seems able to consistently fight for points. Is the car simply not capable of competing with the midfield?

I'm also curious about Toyota's role. What are they actually contributing to Haas? I've seen speculation that Toyota partnered with Haas because it's the smallest team and could eventually become a full works entry. There have been rumors in Japan that Toyota really wants to return to F1. During the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, the commentators even mentioned that possibility and said Toyota has already started placing some of its drivers in Haas machinery to gather data and experience. Haas is also using Toyota's facilities in Germany.

Could this partnership eventually become something similar to Audi's takeover of Sauber? From the outside, it feels like that could be where things are headed, but maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Finally, I've also read that Gene Haas runs the team on a relatively lean budget and relies heavily on sponsorship funding. I've even seen comments from Ayao Komatsu saying Haas doesn't come close to spending the cost cap, which leaves them getting out-engineered by bigger teams—and potentially by newer manufacturers like Audi and Cadillac.

If sponsorship money eventually dries up, what happens? Does Gene Haas keep funding the team, or is a sale to Toyota a realistic possibility?

I'd love to hear from longtime F1 fans because I'm still learning how all of this works.

Thanks!

Please high IQ responses.

Haas has introduced a revised VF-26 front wing at Spa, targeting improved airflow control and better drivability for Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon.

https://gp-news.net/haas-unveils-revised-vf-26-front-wing-in-bid-to-improve-drivability-at-belgian-gp/

Looks like we’re bringing 4 upgrades to Spa.

To be honest, Castore teamwear shirts quality now unacceptable. Nike is the logical choice for replacing Castore as Haas F1 Teamwear and Race Firesuit supplier in the future as Air Jordan brand has presence in NASCAR Cup too.

Haas F1 is American team and Nike partnership will be makes sense too.

Do you want Nike join Haas F1?

Always he will be our goat

Can they work on upgrades for us?

What do we think? Rossomotori seem to be the only ones reporting this. If true, surely means Esteban is gone. I don’t follow too much of F2 but from what it sounds like, this is a great up and coming driver. Hopefully we can help him cut his teeth!

I didn't even know AOL was still a thing.

Is something wrong with the car?
Drivers losing confidence?
Something is amiss, this is normally a strong track for us.
Demoralizing honestly

It is starting to feel like the writing is on the wall for Ocon. There are a number of current drivers without seats, and I am curious to hear how you all think this plays out.

Naturally, everything is contingent on what Max wants to do. McLaren and Cadillac have none available, and Hamilton will likely do another year with Ferrari if they stay on their trajectory.

I think Haas is in a relatively strong position. Ollie will most likely be retained, but for a second seat I think you could be looking at Albon, Sainz, or in a crazy world even Russell becomes available.

Almost had a repeat of the suck my balls mate.

Hi everyone!

My name is Eleonora, I’m a university student currently writing my bachelor thesis on the Formula 1 calendar and how it could be improved regarding sustainability, logistics, and fan experience.
As part of my research, I'm collecting opinions from F1 fans about the current calendar, whether you've attended races in person or follow the sport from home. The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and it allows you to share your views on race scheduling, travel, sustainability, and the future direction of Formula 1.

Every response helps make the research more representative of the fan community!

Survey link: https://supsi.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cCnfxpbLzAsoGSq

Thank you to anyone who takes part! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments as well :)

Softs for Bearman during that VSC? Were they out of Hards and Mediums?

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Hell of a race from Esteban. Lotta luck, but P9 and some much needed points for him.

Didn't hear anything from the announcers, I mean, with Kimi and Max within 50 feet of a race track why would i expect to? However, I care, so I'm wondering what failed. I know he bonked into Ocon at the start and had to change his front wing but im guessing that wasnt what knocked him out. Just wondering if anyone has heard anything?

Thank you, Gabi!

I love this for Kevin. He’s going to be a menace