NASCAR Team Owner Confirms Interest in Joining F1 Grid

NASCAR team owner Gene Haas has confirmed his interest in joining the Formula 1 grid from 2015 or 2016.

With the 12th slot in the sport having remained unfilled since Spanish minnows HRT folded at the end of 2012, the FIA in December announced the opening of an application process to find a new outfit to join the championship from potentially as early as next year.

It has now emerged that Haas, the joint owner of the North Carolina-based Stewart-Haas Racing which competes in the premier stock car series in the USA, is in the running.

“We have responded to the FIA’s call for expression of interest regarding a Formula One entry on behalf of Haas Racing Development,” a Haas statement read.

“We respect the FIA’s evaluation process and will share more details in the coming weeks.”

Former Red Bull and Jaguar Technical Director Guenther Steiner is reportedly working alongside Haas on the project.

The full application process for prospective entrants closes on February 10, with a decision on any winning bid due on February 28.