Ralf Schumacher says Gene Haas does not need to sell his Formula 1 team and could instead take inspiration from Red Bull with Cadillac‘s impending entry in 2026.
The Kannapolis-based squad has been the perennial underdog of the sport ever since its debut on the grid in 2016.
And while Haas has been able to stay afloat despite its meagre budget, when compared to some of the other teams alongside it, with F1’s skyrocketing appeal, sharks may have already started circling the 72-year-old to take the team off his hands.
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu recently revealed that the team has been thwarting takeover attempts as Haas has no plans whatsoever to vacate his place in the paddock.
“Honestly, [Gene Haas has] seen lots of changes,” he explained earlier this year. “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.
“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 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.”
Haas can find a junior team in Cadillac
The 2026 F1 season will not only feature a completely revamped formula but also an 11th team on the grid with Cadillac.
The General Motors-backed project will begin as a Ferrari customer team – much like Haas is now – and evolve into a factory works outfit by 2028.
Haas might not be interested in selling his team, but is he impeding its success?
Schumacher doesn’t believe so and rather suggests that Haas could look to the Milton Keynes-based squad for inspiration and enlist Cadillac as its B-team.
“I would look for a partner – as a junior team, like Racing Bulls for Red Bull,” he told BILD.
“Maybe Cadillac would be an option when they enter Formula 1 next year.
“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.”
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