![Gene Haas. [Photo credit: Jared C. Tilton/ Stewart/Haas Racing via Getty Images]](https://racingnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/170212F1GeneHaas.jpg)
Gene Haas. [Photo credit: Jared C. Tilton/ Stewart/Haas Racing via Getty Images]
After completing its rookie season with an eighth-place finish ahead of such teams as Renault, Sauber and Manor in 2016, The Haas F1 Team believes that it can produce a spot or two up the grid for this upcoming season.
Speaking to ESPN F1 Saturday, Owner Gene Haas felt that it can be possible to advance but cautions that the new rules for the 2017 season might make them lose their hopes as well.
“I think it has pluses and minuses. On the plus side, we’re not trying to put the whole pit crew together. We don’t have to worry about getting trucks and other infrastructure. We have all that in place. The negative side is that there’s less time to do all these things again and there are a lot of rule changes, so you have to be prepared.
“On the other hand, we have stronger relationships with a lot of our suppliers, so that should make it easier. It’s kind of give and take. It’ll be just as challenging as it was last year, but I think with the knowledge we have, we should actually perform a little bit better this year.”
Haas began their F1 debut with points in the first three of their four races, thanks to Frenchman Romain Grosjean. But as the season progressed, the team began to struggle due to performance issues. Despite this, the team will try to make the best of the new season with new driver Kevin Magnussen, who will partner Grosjean, alongside technical partner Ferrari and chassis manufacturer Dallara, something that Haas feels if put in the right place, can advance them into a successful year.
“If we can do a little bit better because our business model in Formula One allows us to operate more efficiently,” he added, “we might be able to move up a position or two.”
Haas still must confirm their 2017 launch date of where and when the new car with be seen by the media. However, this decision will be announced very soon.
Mark Gero has written formula one racing stories since 2002 on the Internet for such sites as Motorsport.com, Racing Information Service News and for a brief time at the Munich Eye newspaper in Munich, Germany along with Autoweek online. Mark also has a diploma in journalism from the London School of Journalism in London, England and in addition a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.