Brawn highlights Haas' importance for F1 in the US

It has been a season to forget for Haas F1 team with problems on and off the track but Ross Brawn has emphasised the importance of the team to the American Formula 1 market.

Haas entered the pinnacle of motorsport in 2016 and in 2018 registered their best result finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship. They were expected to kick on this season but have gone backwards, with performances on the track underwhelming only managing to beat Williams in the standings. 

They have also had issues off the track with the Rich Energy saga following them for most of the season. F1 Managing director Brawn has stressed the importance of Haas on the sport and wants them to fly the flag for the USA.

“After finishing fifth in the Constructors’ Championship last year, Haas started this season with the hope of consolidating its progress,” Brawn said as quoted by MotorsportWeek.

“But unfortunately they seem to be going backwards, especially in the races, although they’ve been a bit better in qualifying.

“Gene Haas’ team is a valuable asset for Formula 1. It is the first example of a new team establishing itself in a sport that for too many years has seen teams come and go in a short space of time, without ever really making their mark.

“It’s also important because it flies the US flag in a sport that is generally Euro-centric. It is vital for Formula 1 that we continue to support the growth in interest in the sport in the USA and in the absence of an American driver a Stars ‘n’ Stripes team fulfils that role.

“Let’s hope therefore that Haas is on the up in this final part of the season and maybe they can even get a good result at their home race in Austin.”