As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds with its ups and downs, the driver market grows more intriguing. Half of the grid has contracts ending, intensifying competition for top talent. This vacancy is demanding fresh faces, therefore, F2 drivers like Oliver Bearman are making F1 headlines every now and then. Haas has a vacant seat for next season due to Nico Hulkenberg‘s exit and uncertainty over Kevin Magnussen‘s future. Now, team principal Ayao Komatsu must find a driver who can win races and score points.
Since their 2016 debut, Haas has struggled, but now, they are seeking a turnaround. Among potential candidates like F2 driver Oliver Bearman, Zhou Guanyu, Esteban Ocon, and possibly Logan Sargeant, Oliver Bearman appears to be the frontrunner. As Gene Haas aims to attract drivers who can bring sponsorship, benefiting both drivers and the team, former Ferrari boss, Peter Windsor, offered valuable advice on the matter. Drawing on his management experience, Windsor left the decision on Haas while suggesting they make a wise choice to benefit the team. So, what did Peter Windsor have to say?
Oliver Bearman to Haas could be a missed opportunity in the American Market
In a recent talk with Cameron F1, ex-Ferrari boss Peter Windsor said Oliver Bearman is the top choice for Haas next season. He believes it’s a good decision and that Ferrari will observe Bearman. Moreover, more young drivers deserve opportunities on the grid. But, the problem that lies deep-rooted is that “Haas don’t have much more of an American feel to the team.” Moreover, Windsor implied that having a talented American driver on the team would open new opportunities for the team. Peter Windsor seemed surprised that Haas is sidelining American drivers. He believes there’s short-term profit with Ferrari, Oliver Bearman, or the Chinese sponsors Zhou Guanyu might bring. However, running a young American driver could yield more benefits with corporate America in the medium term. The only problem is, that they haven’t signed an American driver. So maybe they might still keep their minds open on considering Logan Sargeant.
Formula 1 has previously been called out for not having enough American representation despite conducting three Grand Prix races on American soil. This could have been an opportunity for Haas to prove these allegations false. The signing of Logan Sargeant could draw a lot of American attention towards Haas, which in return could bring potential sponsors for the team.
Signing an American drive to do what ‘Drive To Survive’ did in North America
The Netflix show ‘Drive To Survive’ is one of the main reasons behind F1’s popularity in America. “The signing of Logan Sargeant as an example and doing what Drive to Survive has done so brilliantly, captivating a North American market,” the interviewer pointed out. DTS boosted F1’s popularity in the US. Attracting new fans and increasing viewership from 0.5 million in 2017 to 1.1 million in 2023.
Drivers like Zhou Guanyu and Oliver Bearman can indeed bring sponsors. But seeing the popularity of the sport in the US, an American driver for that Haas seat could only be beneficial. The American corporate market is very strong and investors from there could only prove the best for the team. It all comes down to Haas. They need to decide very soon and look at the profitable aspects of the sport.
Although Oliver Bearman is a brilliant choice, should an American driver be considered? What are your opinions? Let us know in the comments.
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