P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A 72-year-old is F1’s most unlikely debutant of 2025 – and it’s symbolic of this team owner going full circle
A long list of drivers, including Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Kamui Kobayashi, and Kazuki Nakajima, have benefited from Toyota’s partnership with Haas to drive a Formula 1 car. Even at 72 years old, Gene Haas is the most unusual F1 debutant this year. Both Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and team owner Gene Haas are driving older Haas F1 cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The tie-up with Toyota has allowed Haas to run old cars for the first time this year, leading to various events like demonstration runs and private events such as Goodwood. Komatsu asked Haas to drive one of his team’s cars for the first time as a significant moment for the team celebrating 10 years in F1. After some initial nervousness, Haas gained confidence and enjoyment from driving the car, showcasing his passion for the team to those who rarely see him.
Haas’s involvement in his F1 team has come full circle from initial commitment to apathy and now back to active participation, demonstrating his true passion and dedication to the sport.
