Ralf Schumacher has dismissed the idea that Gene Haas must sell his Formula 1 team to achieve greater success. Instead, Schumacher put forward the possibility that Haas could benefit from a partnership by becoming a junior team to the soon-to-arrive American outfit, Cadillac F1.
Similar to Red Bull Racing’s relationship with its junior squad, Racing Bulls, Schumacher envisions Haas taking on a developmental role in support of Cadillac’s entry into the sport.
Examining the Potential of Haas as Cadillac’s Junior Team
From the 2026 season, Formula 1 will expand to include 11 teams with the arrival of Cadillac as a works team backed by General Motors. Initially, Cadillac’s cars will use Ferrari power units, the same supplier Haas will continue to rely on next season. Eventually, Cadillac intends to develop its own engine as part of the new regulations.
Haas, which joined Formula 1 in 2016 as the first American team in decades, remains under the ownership of Gene Haas, who has reportedly rejected several offers to buy the team. Team principal Ayao Komatsu indicated that Haas remains passionately involved with the team’s progress.
“Honestly, [Gene Haas has] seen lots of changes,”
said Ayao Komatsu ahead of the British Grand Prix.
He added,
“He’s so engaged now. He understands the details as well. What’s the best way to put it? He’s always been very passionate about the sport and the result. He always wants us to improve, which is what we need from the owner. He was always behind us.”
Komatsu further explained that in the last 18 months, Haas has had multiple offers to sell but remains committed, celebrating the privileged position of being among the small number of team owners in Formula 1.
“I don’t know everything, but in the last 18 months he’s had numerous offers to buy the team. He’s not interested. He really enjoys being the owner of the F1 team. Currently one out of 10, from next year one out of 11. That’s such a privileged position to be in.”
He continued,
“He came in at a time when F1 wasn’t like this. He stuck with us during such a difficult period of COVID. Now he’s enjoying it.”
Despite this commitment, Schumacher believes that Haas could unlock greater growth not by selling but by restructuring its approach via an alliance with Cadillac. He envisions Haas functioning as a junior team to help develop young drivers and support Cadillac’s ambitions.
Schumacher compared this to the relationship between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls but also noted key differences since Red Bull owns both teams, unlike the independent entities that Haas and Cadillac represent.
“But I would look for a partner – as a junior team, like Racing Bulls for Red Bull,”
Schumacher stated, adding,
“Maybe Cadillac would be an option when they enter Formula 1 next year.”
He also highlighted the common challenge teams face in integrating young talent under the current system:
“All teams now have the problem that they hardly dare to bring in young drivers – the idea of a junior team could be the solution.”
The Emerging Landscape for Formula 1 in 2026
The 2026 season is set to bring monumental changes to Formula 1, including new chassis and engine regulations alongside an expanded team lineup. Cadillac’s entry will mark the introduction of a new American works team backed by General Motors.
Although Cadillac has not officially announced their driver roster, sources indicate that former Red Bull driver and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio Perez will likely be one of their drivers. Other names linked with potential seats include Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher, and Jak Crawford.
Schumacher urges caution regarding Cadillac’s early challenges:
“The drivers are the least of their problems.”
He emphasized the scale of the task:
“They only have 400 people – and they have to build an entire team. Extremely ambitious.”
Schumacher concluded with measured optimism:
“I’m looking forward to it, but it will be tough. Will they rise like a phoenix from the ashes? Or will they stay grounded?”
The Significance of a Haas-Cadillac Junior Team Arrangement
Adopting a junior team structure between Haas and Cadillac could provide a strategic avenue to nurture young drivers and share resources amid a competitive landscape where development costs and regulatory complexity are surging. The model leverages the increasing emphasis on sustainability and cost efficiency set by Formula 1’s 2026 rule changes.
This partnership might allow Haas to elevate its position on the grid without requiring a sale, strengthening American involvement in Formula 1 through a combined effort between two U.S.-based racing enterprises.
As Cadillac prepares to build its brand and performance credentials within the Formula 1 paddock, partnering with an established team like Haas could accelerate their competitive readiness and create a clear development pipeline for emerging talent, benefitting the growth of both organizations.