Only US F1 team Haas look to keep momentum on home soil

The American-based and owned Haas team is eager to deliver a strong performance in front of their home fans, particularly as Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity across the United States.

Since 2012, COTA has been a key fixture on the Formula 1 calendar, with over 440,000 fans attending the event in 2022. As one of three races on U.S. soil, alongside Miami and the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Austin race is particularly important for Haas. The weekend will also feature the Sprint format for the fourth time this season, adding more intensity to the race weekend.

Haas currently sits seventh in the 2024 F1 Constructors' Championship with 31 points, exactly 300 points behind leaders Red Bull Racing. Despite the large gap, Haas has shown steady progress, scoring points in each of the last three races.

Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen are aiming to extend this points-scoring streak at their home Grand Prix. Both racing their final six races with the team as next year Haas welcome all new duo of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.

Technical Director Andrea De Zordo is optimistic about the team’s chances in Austin, highlighting a significant update to the car: “In Austin, we’re bringing our main update for the final part of the season, focusing on development in the floor and bodywork.

“It’s difficult to make a big step in lap time at this stage, but in the tight midfield battle, every improvement matters. We’re fighting for P6, and we’re putting everything into achieving that,” De Zordo explained.

Nico Hulkenberg, excited for the home race, emphasized the importance of racing in front of a passionate American fanbase: “The United States Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the year for us. We have a lot of American partners and, of course, our home fans. Seeing over 400,000 people during the weekend is incredibly motivating."

Kevin Magnussen shares Hulkenberg’s enthusiasm, noting the significance of racing at COTA: “It’s a massive event for us, and we’re really keen to do well. COTA is a great track, and with it being a medium-downforce circuit, it should suit us. I’ve had some good battles here in the past, and I’m hoping to score points for the home crowd.”

With just a few races remaining in the 2024 season, Haas is determined to finish on a high note. A strong result in Austin could provide the momentum needed as the team fights for a higher spot in the Constructors' standings.

On the commercial side look out for the Toyota Gazoo Racing sticker on the nose of the Haas VF24 signalling their immediate collaboration as sponsors in Formula 1.