Formula 1: How Andretti Autosport can save Haas F1

In the wake of recent events, hopeful entry Andretti Autosport have the opportunity to quell Haas F1’s revolving uncertainty about a title sponsor in Formula 1.

Following recent geo-political developments, the title sponsor of the Haas Formula 1 team has yet again become the center of negative headlines in the paddock.

Given its close ties to the Kremlin as one of the oligarch spearheads that control the country, Haas decided to strip their operations of Uralkali (subsidiary of Uralchem) branding for the final day of testing in Barcelona.

What makes the unfortunate situation even more touchy is sponsor-tied driver Nikita Mazepin. Mazepin is the son of Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, the CEO of Uralchem who has had recorded ties to President Vladimir Putin and was in attendance at a meeting directly preceding recent events.

If Uralkali were to be removed as the team’s title sponsor, Nikita would likely also be out after a single unremarkable season, making his career one of the more interesting sidenotes in Formula 1 history.

Within the past few weeks, it has been revealed that current IndyCar team Andretti Autosport have been seeking entry into Formula 1 after former world champion Mario Andretti tweeted that his son Michael had submitted unspecified paperwork.

Recent reports have also claimed that Andretti has attempted to acquire the Haas Formula 1 team over the course of the past two years.

Formerly having filled their role of title sponsorship, with a seat being given to Mazepin, Haas now have a chance to end the questionable partnership on political grounds and can return to their former identity as a genuine American outfit on the Formula 1 grid.

Alongside technical capabilities offered by Andretti Autosport’s Indianapolis-based resources, Haas F1 would have two new options for their seat alongside Mick Schumacher.

The first of these two is recent IndyCar signing and former Haas driver Romain Grosjean, a proven veteran with results in the team during his initial tenure and a clear desire to return to the sport. The second option is one of youth who could also fill Schumacher’s seat once he leaves for Ferrari if Grosjean is selected.

Approaching 22 years of age, Colton Herta is currently one of the most prized young talents in racing and one of few drivers who could be in line for an FIA super license without competing in Formula 2. Since 2019, Herta has finished no lower than seventh place in the championship standings, and he enters the 2022 season as the betting favorite to win the championship.

Despite already having agreed to basic terms on a power unit deal with Renault, Andretti Global, the proposed name of Andretti’s Formula 1 team, could find themselves on the grid by lights out in Bahrain. Partnering the great motorsport cities of America in Indianapolis and Charlotte, the prospective American pairing could continue to work in the shadow of Ferrari to become a midfield powerhouse.