Schumacher suggests bold idea to shape Haas’ F1 future

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Haas should explore a new direction in the evolving Formula 1 landscape, suggesting the American squad could benefit from becoming a junior team for a major manufacturer.

Since joining the grid in 2016 with technical partnerships with Ferrari and Dallara, Haas has been credited with bringing stability at a time when several new entrants collapsed.

Now in its 10th season, the team is financially stable and no longer dependent on pay drivers, but with no stated ambition to challenge at the front, it is expected to remain a midfield contender.

While team principal Ayao Komatsu insists Gene Haas has rejected “multiple offers” to sell the squad in the last 18 months, Schumacher believes a partial shift in philosophy could pay off.

Linking Up with Cadillac

Asked by Bild whether Haas would need to be sold to become more competitive, Schumacher did not believe that such a scenario is a pre-requisite.

"Not necessarily. But I would look for a partner – as a junior team, like Racing Bulls for Red Bull,” the Sky Germany pundit explained.

“Perhaps Cadillac would be an idea when they enter Formula 1 next year. All teams have the problem these days that they hardly dare to bring in young drivers – the junior team idea could be the solution."

Cadillac, backed by General Motors, will join F1 in 2026, initially using Ferrari power units before developing its own by 2029. The legendary American brand will become the first all-new entry since Haas itself, while Audi will join the grid via its acquisition of Sauber.

‘A Sporting Challenge’ for Cadillac

While Schumacher sees potential in a Haas-Cadillac alliance, he is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge facing the Detroit manufacturer.

"The drivers are the least of their problems,” Schumacher said. “They only have 400 people – and they have to build an entire team. Extremely ambitious. I'm looking forward to it, but it will be a sporting challenge.

• Read also: Gene Haas ‘annoyed’ by persistent offers to buy F1 team

"Will they rise like a phoenix from the ashes? Or will they stay grounded?"

Cadillac’s F1 project remains in its early stages, with its driver line-up still undecided. Linking up with an established operation like Haas could provide the infrastructure and on-track experience to accelerate its learning curve – and, in Schumacher’s view, create a pathway for fresh talent in an era where rookies often struggle to break through.

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