Danica Patrick, the former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, expressed a cautiously optimistic view of the Haas F1 team’s potential during the 2023 season. The Kannapolis-based squad, led by Guenther Steiner at the time, entered the year with drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, aiming to build on their combined experience to secure better results.
Patrick highlighted that Haas could rely on this driver lineup to bring steady performance and hinted at the possibility of the team delivering unexpected strong outings throughout the campaign. She emphasized the value of experience within the team, believing it might aid Haas in advancing competitively during the season.
How Experience Shaped Haas’ 2023 Campaign Expectations
Patrick pointed out Nico Hulkenberg’s veteran status as a beneficial factor for Haas, stating that his age and experience might serve the team well. She also praised Kevin Magnussen’s role in contributing positively to team progress, noting his reliability and contribution.
“He’s (Nico Hulkenberg) a little bit older even that Kevin, he’s 35, he’s been around for a while and I think probably Haas can use that experience. I think Kevin Magnussen has been a really great addition to the team, to be able to help them progress to have someone they can trust and rely on for progress.”
—Danica Patrick, Former NASCAR and IndyCar Driver
Patrick further expressed hope that Hulkenberg’s experience could be the catalyst for Haas to make a meaningful leap forward, suggesting that surprising results were within reach. She recalled moments from the previous season where Haas had managed to exceed expectations in certain races.
“If Nico can bring even more of that, this is probably what Haas needs to take a leap forward. Can they (Haas) surprise us? I think they did surprise us last year a couple of times, so I think that’s absolutely on the cards for them,” she added.
—Danica Patrick, Former NASCAR and IndyCar Driver
Results and Consequences of Haas’ 2023 Performance
Despite these encouraging views, Haas struggled to translate potential into solid points on the scoreboard during 2023. The team fell to last place in the Constructors’ Championship, accumulating only 12 points across the season. Hulkenberg was the main contributor with nine points, while Magnussen earned just three points for the team.
Comparatively, Alfa Romeo (formerly Kick Sauber and now partnered with Audi) finished ahead, securing 16 points. Meanwhile, AlphaTauri, affiliated with Red Bull as their junior team, amassed 25 points. These results underscored Haas’ difficulties in keeping pace with rival teams throughout the year.
As a result of the disappointing performance, Haas made significant leadership changes. Team owner Gene Haas dismissed Guenther Steiner on January 10, 2024, signaling a major reshuffle aimed at improving competitiveness ahead of the following seasons.
Insight on Lewis Hamilton’s Difficulties at Ferrari in 2025
Apart from commenting on Haas, Danica Patrick has also shared thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s challenges at Ferrari in 2025. Throughout the current season, Patrick has appeared regularly as a pundit on Sky Sports F1, including coverage of the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari SF-25 model has been notably tough, with teammate Charles Leclerc securing five podium finishes while Hamilton has yet to reach the podium this year. Patrick suggested that settling into a new team like Ferrari takes time, which has likely contributed to Hamilton’s struggles.
“What’s up with Lewis? I don’t know, but all I can say is that he’s with a new team, and it always takes time to transition into a new team. The baked-in handling of the car, the methods in which they go about doing things, all of this stuff takes time to learn and get familiar with. These weekends happen so fast.”
—Danica Patrick, Former NASCAR and IndyCar Driver
Danica Patrick’s Ongoing Role in Motorsport Commentary
Since retiring from professional racing in 2018, Danica Patrick has established herself as a versatile motorsport pundit, providing analysis across different racing disciplines. In 2024, she has actively covered events like the IndyCar Series, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500 held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, further cementing her expertise in the sport’s broadcast scene.
Her insights bring a seasoned perspective to current racing narratives, particularly in Formula 1, where she follows teams like Haas, Ferrari, and drivers such as Lewis Hamilton closely. Patrick’s commentary combines reflective analysis with hopeful outlooks, offering fans nuanced understanding of team dynamics and driver performances.