Haas Takes the Wheel: F1 Boss Drives a Racing Machine at Goodwood

The founder and proprietor of Haas F1, Gene Haas, took control of his own equipment during the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday.

Haas, aged 72, tested the 2023-model VF-23 on two occasions during the challenging ascent at Goodwood under high temperatures, marking the initial instance where he drove his own Formula 1 vehicle publicly.

Haas was accompanied by Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, who showcased the VF-24.

When Ayao initially questioned me about driving here at Goodwood, it felt like a huge effort merely for a trip up a hill," Haas remarked. "Honestly, I wasn't familiar with the Festival of Speed before, but it intrigued me, and now I see why so many fans make the journey here.

It's an event worth attending due to the wide variety of vehicles—both vintage and modern, not just Formula 1 machines—that allows enthusiasts to view cars they've only witnessed on television or in films. I particularly enjoy the automobiles from the 1940s and 1950s since it's incredible how those teams managed to build cars capable of reaching 150 miles per hour using such limited resources compared to today.

My initial experience inside an F1 vehicle was that it feels quite confined, with numerous details to master regarding the clutch, gear changes, and everything happening simultaneously. However, the most challenging part is managing to operate a high-speed machine at a deliberately low pace.

Komatsu also enjoyed operating Formula 1 vehicles.

I've really enjoyed today," Komatsu stated. "Yesterday, I felt somewhat anxious since everyone mentioned this course is challenging, so I drove cautiously. Once I understood what I was facing, this morning I became much more at ease and cherished each moment—the process of preparing the car for the starting line, sitting inside the vehicle, and operating this incredible machine.

Experiencing everything within this incredible environment, the Festival of Speed, is truly an honor. I'm deeply thankful for the opportunity.

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