Haas looking at F1 as 'trial and error' experience

As well prepared as Gene Haas believes his eponymous team is on the verge of its maiden Formula 1 season, he believes only experience will ultimately help the American outfit with its progress and development.

Speaking to Sports Business Daily Global on his team's expectations for 2016 and its grand entry into Grand Prix racing, the Haas F1 Team founder claimed that the outfit's first year would be all about learning.

"It will be a building experience," Haas insisted.

"We are going to this party without really knowing what it’s like. We can sit there and watch what other people do but there’s nothing like being there. That’s going to be the experience."

Despite his team's detailed and thorough preparation, Haas knows all too well the pitfalls and snags which await any F1 newcomer. He vows to learn however from the unavoidable perils and difficulties which will come his way.

"I think we are prepared, I think we will do well at it but you have to really be there to learn it. All the reading you can do and talking to other people, the challenge is being able to do it.

"I’m sure we will make tons of mistakes, correct those mistakes and be better prepared for each race.

"After we are done with those 21 races [this] year, we will have a whole year behind us and our notebook will be full of what we need to know. And we will do better after that."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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