Haas Formula One team has begun shortlisting drivers for its maiden entry next year into Formula One arena. The team was actually trying to get into the Formula One this year itself but was advised by Bernie Ecclestone against it due to the lack of clarity in the team in terms of finances and a car.

Haas F1 Team

Haas has said that it has shortlisted and narrowed down the list to just 10 drivers. Out of these, two will get a driving seat with another two being signed as reserve and test drivers for the weekend. The team said, “We’ll talk to them in particular and we will see what works for us. We definitely want to have drivers who are current competing on the starting grid, people with experience”.

Speculation is that the team might go with age and experience as money will not be a huge problem with the tag of a big motorsport brand like Haas. Experienced drivers will be able to give in their inputs to the team engineers and the bosses who are also relatively new and will get to learn from the veteran drivers themselves.

Haas, which is a famous and well-known team in NASCAR racing has now decided to try its hands at the pinnacle of motorsport racing with a strategic tie-up with Ferrari for engine and Formula One technology know-how. Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss has labelled this alliance to be “very intelligent”. The American brand will be using the Maranello wind tunnel to develop its 2016 Formula One car.

Haas F1 after deciding upon delaying its entry has faced criticism for having second thoughts regarding joining Formula One. The team has denied these reports and said that there is no second thoughts about its move to Formula One in 2016. Formula One financial outlook and the recent decrease in the viewership has not affected the team either.

Haas is infact has been devoting time to recruit a strong team and has been busy with the development of the chassis and the components for the car.The current base of the Formula One division is in Banbury in England. The team however would be headquartered in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Haas F1 is the remains of Marussia F1 team after it auctioned off the assets as it went it administration during the 2014 season. Haas plans to test the car as the FIA regulations do not restrict testing as long as the team doesn’t officially become a part of Formula One racing. Haas has plans to test its car and make it race ready by 2015 December ahead of the pre-testing season for 2016.

Tags: 2016 Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone, Drivers, F1, Formula One, Haas, Motorsport, Motorsports