F1 to Have a US Team after Gene Haas Accepted by FIA

NASCAR’s Gene Haas has been given acceptance by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to own a Formula One team from 2015.

The confirmation follows F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone telling Forbes last week that the FIA were on the verge of making the announcement.

Haas, who is one half of the Stewart-Haas Racing team in NASCAR, has now been accepted after a period of due diligence.

Haas said: “Obviously, we’re extremely pleased. It’s an exciting time. Now, the really hard work begins.

“It’s a challenge we embrace as we work to put cars on the grid.”

The move will mark the first time a US team has been on the grid in F1 since 1971, when Penske left the sport.

A new trend in sponsors?

Brian Sims, an F1 sponsorship expert who is a consultant for Oxford Brookes University told iSportconnect: “The introduction of a US based team in F1 can only be a positive factor. It’ll be interesting to find out what the response will be from the US corporate sector. Could this herald a new trend in Formula 1 for NASCAR style consumer-orientated sponsors to test the waters?

“Something needs to spice up the commercial involvement in F1, as new sponsors have become rather conspicuous by their absence.”

Haas, who also owns factory facilities in Brussels, was quick to react when the FIA opened a tender for a 12^th team in December, 2013.

Ecclestone was at first unsure of the financial legitimacy behind Haas’ bid, but has since been convinced.

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