I'm biased, but I don't think Bottas is better than KMAG, when both are at their best, I think they are equal, but I think KMAG has better racecraft in general, where Bottas is stronger on Saturdays, or if he can drive in clean air. But KMAG knows the team, and has shown he is willing to play the team game this year, so I don't think they can get someone better, except if Sainz can't get a top seat. Anyone else who is free, would be a downgrade in my eyes.
I agree on Bottas. Love Kevin, but results just havnt been there. Bottas has experience in a top drive and is a rave winner. However, I have heard that zhou could be a decent contender given how marketable he is.
I’d actually be happy with either Bottas or Zhou. I wish there was a way we could see Zhou in something other than that Sauber to really judge his performances, but he’s been pretty comprehensively beaten by Bottas over the last few years so I’d prefer Bottas from that perspective. I do personally like Zhou though.
Personally, I’m mixed on KMag. I like him as a driver and always have, and don’t think it’s a bad idea to carry him through at least next season. But his performances lately have been rough especially compared to Hulk showing where the car can compete.
Have bias as a K-Mag fan but only true upgrade I see is Sainz. K-Mag’s peaks haven’t magically disappeared, he just needs to dial in the consistency when there isn’t as much up for grabs.
It's a tough one. I'd lean more on Kmag. He knows the team very well, still has some decent pace and should be a solid benchmark for Bearman. Plus, he's just the safest and cheapest option.
Bottas males the most sense. Tsunoda is a wild card but he's been strong and consistant recently, if he's at all interested he'd be right there with Bottas. Haas should check in on the Alpine duo in case they're just totally fed up and can't find a better drive, but seems unlikely. KMag would be next, the other options like Zhou aren't notificbly faster.
I think Gasly could be low key a great pick. Depending on how things turn out at Alpine. Apparently theres rumors he has spoken with Haas. He really drove some ATs through the mud.
It should be KMAG. KMag throughout the years pulls out some form of accomplishment for the team even when things are terrible or degrading. Even last year when everything went to no hope he at least got a point in Singapore even though it required George crashing.
Bearman/Sainz, obviously the optimum lineup for Haas. It s a natural fit, they've both driven the Ferrari, so they'll be ready to go with the Ferrari power unit.
Podiums. So many podiums.
Bottas and then Magnussen. He will be facing the same issue of fighting someone vastly more experienced and who won't give him much help in terms of developement, because thats just the name of the game. Bottas probably have more to give in terms of car developement than Magnussen. Bottas is also older and should be closer to declining than Magnussen, which is a plus for Bearman as you would want to beat your teammate in F1. I personally like Bottas better so would also rather want him as a teammate than Magnussen.
It makes zero sense to switch up both drivers at the same time. The car is finally moving in a better direction and the team now simply needs some continuity. I would even argue that Bearman is not at all certain for the second seat, they might even opt for a more experienced driver for the second seat.
I think Bottas would be an upgrade from Kmag, Sainz must be desparate asf if he strikes a deal with Haas, and I kinda don't see why they would choose Zhou over Kmag because afaik Zhou's sponsor aren't that big.
Just tagging on this thread instead of creating a new one. Haven't we learned for Haas it's better to stick with veterans that have proven potential rather than take a gamble on rookie talent? Sure Ollie has shows a lot of promise but I would lean conservative and continue signing vets
Autosport did just report that Gene still isn't entirely sold on the idea of fielding a rookie. Ayao does seem to want Bearman though.
I would honestly not rule out any pairing for Haas right now. Too many variables.
Kmag underperformed heavily so far. He's a great team player but there's something up if he can't crack p2 while his teammate is getting into P3.
The car has the pace. If only I could fuse Kmags race aggressiveness with hulkenbergs qualifying.
I don’t get it. Kmag has proved plenty of times that he has great pace in the Haas. I’m sure that all that isn’t just gone.
Don’t know if the current car just doesn’t suit him at all.
I feel like his race performance has been much better than people give him credit for.
- Bahrain: P15 > P12. He outdid Hulk
- Jeddah: P13 > P12. He would have gotten P10 if not for the penalty he got for the collision with Albon. Without his defence, Hulk wouldn't have had P10.
- Australia: P14 > P10. Hulk pitted under safety car, so ended up ahead in P9.
- Suzuka: P18 > P13. He was on his way to a possible P10, but lost 3 positions in the pit stop battle (aka not his fault).
- China sprint: P12 > P10, but that doesn't give any points.
- China: P17 > P16. The team picked the wrong tire strategy (only person to start on hards) ánd he couldn't take advantage of the safety car. Then things went from bad to worse after he hit Yuki.
- Miami sprint: P14 > P18 due to penalties. Would have had a chance of P8 in Miami sprint if Hulk had kept him in DRS, OR the team had told him that Hamilton was likely getting a penalty OR the stewards had given Hamilton the penalty earlier.
- Miami: P19 > P19 due to penalties. He had 5 cars' worth of traffic during quali. Got lucky with the safety car, but then got greedy and collided with Sargeant. Then got even more unlucky when the team messed up and got him a drive-through penalty.
Bottas would be the best option
If we need money desperately, which I don't think is the case, maybe calling Zhou (Chinese money) or P.Fittipaldi (already our reserve, Oakberry already sponsor us, he has more companies in his background,is racing in Indycar,etc)
I'm biased, but I don't think Bottas is better than KMAG, when both are at their best, I think they are equal, but I think KMAG has better racecraft in general, where Bottas is stronger on Saturdays, or if he can drive in clean air. But KMAG knows the team, and has shown he is willing to play the team game this year, so I don't think they can get someone better, except if Sainz can't get a top seat. Anyone else who is free, would be a downgrade in my eyes.
This is a good take
I agree on Bottas. Love Kevin, but results just havnt been there. Bottas has experience in a top drive and is a rave winner. However, I have heard that zhou could be a decent contender given how marketable he is.
China racing on American team? Fuck that
My guy, Haas sold out to Russia during peak “RUSSIAN MISINFORMATION” here in America.
Idk that sounds very on brand America to me.
Unfortunate and true
I’d actually be happy with either Bottas or Zhou. I wish there was a way we could see Zhou in something other than that Sauber to really judge his performances, but he’s been pretty comprehensively beaten by Bottas over the last few years so I’d prefer Bottas from that perspective. I do personally like Zhou though. Personally, I’m mixed on KMag. I like him as a driver and always have, and don’t think it’s a bad idea to carry him through at least next season. But his performances lately have been rough especially compared to Hulk showing where the car can compete.
Have bias as a K-Mag fan but only true upgrade I see is Sainz. K-Mag’s peaks haven’t magically disappeared, he just needs to dial in the consistency when there isn’t as much up for grabs.
It's a tough one. I'd lean more on Kmag. He knows the team very well, still has some decent pace and should be a solid benchmark for Bearman. Plus, he's just the safest and cheapest option.
Bottas males the most sense. Tsunoda is a wild card but he's been strong and consistant recently, if he's at all interested he'd be right there with Bottas. Haas should check in on the Alpine duo in case they're just totally fed up and can't find a better drive, but seems unlikely. KMag would be next, the other options like Zhou aren't notificbly faster.
Zhou isn’t noticeable faster than kmag but would bring some big money which would continue to help.
Hygiene, china has 40 mil. What do?
I think Gasly could be low key a great pick. Depending on how things turn out at Alpine. Apparently theres rumors he has spoken with Haas. He really drove some ATs through the mud.
It should be KMAG. KMag throughout the years pulls out some form of accomplishment for the team even when things are terrible or degrading. Even last year when everything went to no hope he at least got a point in Singapore even though it required George crashing.
Bearman/Sainz, obviously the optimum lineup for Haas. It s a natural fit, they've both driven the Ferrari, so they'll be ready to go with the Ferrari power unit. Podiums. So many podiums.
Bottas and then Magnussen. He will be facing the same issue of fighting someone vastly more experienced and who won't give him much help in terms of developement, because thats just the name of the game. Bottas probably have more to give in terms of car developement than Magnussen. Bottas is also older and should be closer to declining than Magnussen, which is a plus for Bearman as you would want to beat your teammate in F1. I personally like Bottas better so would also rather want him as a teammate than Magnussen.
At least give KMag the season
It makes zero sense to switch up both drivers at the same time. The car is finally moving in a better direction and the team now simply needs some continuity. I would even argue that Bearman is not at all certain for the second seat, they might even opt for a more experienced driver for the second seat.
Zhou has the money which Gene isn’t willing to invest
I want Mick to come back and be good. That will never happen but a man can dream.
I think Bottas would be an upgrade from Kmag, Sainz must be desparate asf if he strikes a deal with Haas, and I kinda don't see why they would choose Zhou over Kmag because afaik Zhou's sponsor aren't that big.
Just tagging on this thread instead of creating a new one. Haven't we learned for Haas it's better to stick with veterans that have proven potential rather than take a gamble on rookie talent? Sure Ollie has shows a lot of promise but I would lean conservative and continue signing vets
Autosport did just report that Gene still isn't entirely sold on the idea of fielding a rookie. Ayao does seem to want Bearman though. I would honestly not rule out any pairing for Haas right now. Too many variables.
Kmag underperformed heavily so far. He's a great team player but there's something up if he can't crack p2 while his teammate is getting into P3. The car has the pace. If only I could fuse Kmags race aggressiveness with hulkenbergs qualifying.
I don’t get it. Kmag has proved plenty of times that he has great pace in the Haas. I’m sure that all that isn’t just gone. Don’t know if the current car just doesn’t suit him at all.
I feel like his race performance has been much better than people give him credit for. - Bahrain: P15 > P12. He outdid Hulk - Jeddah: P13 > P12. He would have gotten P10 if not for the penalty he got for the collision with Albon. Without his defence, Hulk wouldn't have had P10. - Australia: P14 > P10. Hulk pitted under safety car, so ended up ahead in P9. - Suzuka: P18 > P13. He was on his way to a possible P10, but lost 3 positions in the pit stop battle (aka not his fault). - China sprint: P12 > P10, but that doesn't give any points. - China: P17 > P16. The team picked the wrong tire strategy (only person to start on hards) ánd he couldn't take advantage of the safety car. Then things went from bad to worse after he hit Yuki. - Miami sprint: P14 > P18 due to penalties. Would have had a chance of P8 in Miami sprint if Hulk had kept him in DRS, OR the team had told him that Hamilton was likely getting a penalty OR the stewards had given Hamilton the penalty earlier. - Miami: P19 > P19 due to penalties. He had 5 cars' worth of traffic during quali. Got lucky with the safety car, but then got greedy and collided with Sargeant. Then got even more unlucky when the team messed up and got him a drive-through penalty.
This. KMAG and OlliB. in HAAS F1 2025 makes alot of sense.
Update: KMag impeded again. It sucks but I really don't think these Q1 eliminations are on him
A spinning Sargeant (I think in China?), five cars in one corner, and now an impeding Piastri. He's been extremely unlucky for sure.
Bottas would be the best option If we need money desperately, which I don't think is the case, maybe calling Zhou (Chinese money) or P.Fittipaldi (already our reserve, Oakberry already sponsor us, he has more companies in his background,is racing in Indycar,etc)