Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutierrez are both keen to try out a Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup car in the future, having both discussed doing so with team boss Gene Haas.
Haas saw his F1 operation get off to a flying start in its debut Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix as Grosjean charged from 19th on the grid to finish sixth.
Not only did Haas F1 Team become the first team to race in a grand prix under the American flag in 30 years, but it also was the first start-up project to score points in its debut since Toyota in 2002.
However, both Grosjean and Gutierrez are looking to take full advantage of being part of the Haas family and try their hand in NASCAR in the future.
“No worries, I’m happy to do that! Yeah, it would be fun,” Grosjean told NBC Sports.
When asked if talks had taken place with Haas about a NASCAR ride, Grosjean said: “Yes! Yes!
“I don’t know [when], whenever we can, but it would be brilliant. I’ve sat in one of their cars when I went to the workshop in Kannapolis (North Carolina). It looks big. But it would be amazing.
Gutierrez also expressed an interest in trying out NASCAR in the future and also has spoken to Haas about doing so.
“It would be very interesting to do as an activity and to try the car, imagine the difference,” Gutierrez said to NBC Sports.
Gutierrez also believes that some of the experience Haas will bring from NASCAR to F1 could aid others in the series to open up to new approaches, particularly when it comes to communications and team management.
“Technically, it’s very different to NASCAR. You cannot compare it,” Gutierrez said. “The approach that they have in terms of the business model of the team is very good, to make a team out of nothing.
“Communication-wise, it is very different in the approach and experience they bring from NASCAR. The knowledge that they bring from NASCAR will help to change a bit the approach of many teams that they have here in Europe.
“So it can only be good for Formula 1.”
