Gene Haas, owner of the Haas Formula 1 team, experienced his first drive in a Formula 1 car during the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb. This debut took place yesterday at the well-known event, marking a significant moment for the 72-year-old American motorsport figure who had previously been unfamiliar with the festival.

Haas embraced the opportunity to drive the 2023 VF23 car on the iconic hillclimb, an experience that gave him fresh insight into both the event and the car’s complexities.

Discovering the Festival of Speed’s Unique Appeal

Before his drive, Haas admitted he had no prior knowledge of the Festival of Speed, but quickly recognized why fans around the world are drawn to it. He highlighted the variety of vehicles on display, ranging from historic cars from the 1940s and ’50s to the latest Formula 1 machinery, all showcased in one venue for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Reflecting on this, he observed the remarkable achievements of early racing teams who managed to build vehicles capable of reaching speeds of 150 mph despite limited technology. This historical perspective deepened his appreciation for the sport’s evolution.

Challenges and Insights from Driving a Formula 1 Car

Haas described the experience inside the Formula 1 car as surprisingly cramped, noting the numerous technical details involved with operating it, such as mastering the clutch and gear shifts. He also pointed out the difficulty of controlling such a high-performance car at low speeds during the hillclimb.

“When Ayao [Komatsu] first asked me about driving here at Goodwood, it seemed like an awful lot of work just for an excursion up a hill,”

Haas explained after completing his run.

“My first impression of being in the Formula 1 car was that it’s very tight in there, and there are a lot of nuances you have to learn about the clutch, shifting, and there are a million things going on. The hardest thing to do though is to try to drive a very fast car at a very slow speed.”

—Gene Haas, Owner and Founder, Haas F1 Team

Team Support and Shared Enthusiasm at the Event

Accompanying Haas at the Festival of Speed were key members of his team, including team principal Ayao Komatsu and drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. Komatsu shared his own reflections on the event, admitting initial nervousness due to the course’s complexity before growing to enjoy the challenge and the surroundings.

“Doing all that in this amazing setting, the Festival of Speed, is such a privilege. I’m very grateful for the experience.”

—Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team Principal

Komatsu described his transition from cautious driving to fully embracing the exhilaration of piloting the car during the hillclimb’s familiar and thrilling environment.

Significance of Haas’s Inaugural Drive and Future Implications

Gene Haas’s first Formula 1 drive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed represents not only a personal milestone but also underscores the cultural importance of the event in bridging racing history with modern technology. This outing highlighted the technical intricacies involved in driving an F1 car and offered Haas a newfound respect for the sport and its dedicated fanbase.

His participation, supported by key team members like Komatsu, Ocon, and Bearman, strengthens the Haas team’s connection to motorsport heritage and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to engaging with fans beyond the racetrack. Going forward, this experience may inspire further involvement in similar events and deepen Haas’s personal and professional relationship with Formula 1.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?

A. Jules Bianchi’s number, 17, is the only one permanently retired in Formula 1. This decision honors the French driver who had a tragic accident in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while racing with that number.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He races for Mercedes and has also driven for McLaren. He openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.

Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?

A. Drivers can pick any personal number from 0 to 99, except for 1. The current World Drivers’ Champion can choose to use the number 1 if they want, but they don’t have to.

Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver for Mercedes. He previously raced for McLaren.

Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD. He also shares his various interests and passions in different fields.