It’s looking set to be a bright future for the Haas F1 Team, after announcing their new title sponsor for 2023 after a year without a main partner.
Haas were forced into axing their former title-partner Uralkali at the start of the year, amid the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe; however, the small side will finally receive a much-needed financial enhancement.
The Americans new partner for 2023 and beyond is Texas-based payment transfer company Moneygram, who were unveiled as the team’s new partner ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
Given that the company’s colours are white and red, it’s likely that Haas’ 2023 car will feature a similar livery to this year, which is predominantly the same two colours.
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Haas boss Guenther Steiner has hailed the new partnership by revealing the team’s new “medium term” goal, to finish on the rostrum.
“Their colours are white and red,” grinned team boss Gunther Steiner.
“Just like ours. Moneygram will allow us to invest more and hit the Formula 1 budget cap. Our goal is to achieve podium finishes in the medium term,” he added.
Whilst Haas have sealed a new partner, they are still yet to announce who will partner Kevin Magnussen in 2023.
The seat is a straight duel between current out-of-contract driver Mick Schumacher and Aston Martin reserve Nico Hulkenberg, with Steiner clearly having to choose between youth or experience.
Interestingly, Magnussen has jumped at the defence of his current team-mate, who he believes “definitely deserves” to remain with the eighth-placed side.
“He started off maybe not really liking the car,” said the Dane, “but he’s really gained confidence and lately he’s been super hard for me to beat.”
It comes amid Haas owner Gene Haas revealing that Schumacher has cost the side a concerning amount of money, following his heavy crashes at Saudi Arabia and Monaco.
Schumacher has revealed that actually what Haas said, “is also true”, but that he’s “trying his best” to prove to the team he is worth retaining.
“Gene is my boss and he has every right to speak his mind,” Schumacher said ahead of the US Grand Prix.
“Everything he said is also true.
“I’m trying my best and hopefully there will be points this weekend.”
Should Haas not retain him for 2023 then Schumacher will be relying on Formula 2 driver Logan Sargeant not finishing in the top six of the Drivers’ Championship, something the young American needs for enough superlicence points to drive for Williams next season.
If Sargeant fails at the season finale, them the German is the favourite to partner Alex Albon; however, Schumacher is still talking with Haas about a contract extension.
“The talks are ongoing and I’m happy where I am,” added Schumacher.
Following the title partner announcement, it didn’t take long for Moneygram CEO Alex Holmes to be asked about who should partner Magnussen next season.
Holmes quickly shutdown the question and admitted that it’s down to Steiner to “determine” who takes the final seat, but that Schumacher actually left a “great impression” on him.
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“We just want to be presented appropriately,” Holmes said.
“I met Mick Schumacher today and I see a fully motivated young man who makes a great impression on me, but Gunther ultimately determines who is in the car.
“Whoever drives for the team has our full support.”