(© Ben Johnston 2015)
Could we see Danica Patrick driving in Formula One with the
Haas F1 Team in 2016? The answer to this question is a simple yes we could.
Earlier this week it was announced that her title sponsor for her Number 10
Stewart Haas Racing NASCAR entry, GoDaddy.com will be leaving her at the end of
the season.
The announcement came as a shock to Patrick who has been
with the company since her time in IndyCar with Andretti Autosport.
So what next for Patrick? It is very likely that she will
get another sponsor which will allow her to remain in NASCAR next season,
however it could also be the perfect opportunity for her to Segway into Formula
One with her bosses new Haas F1 Team.
Such a move would make commercial sense for all parties
involved. Not only is Patrick one of the most recognizable racing drivers in
the world but she is also extremely talented. She would be able to attract some
great new sponsors to Formula One and it would also be a fantastic coup for the
sport’s popularity in America.
Gene Haas spoke about the possibility of running Danica in
his F1 team but at the time it was not a likely scenario. However the timing of
the departure of GoDaddy.com could play into the hands of the Haas F1 Team and
Patrick if they were to up.
It would also be fantastic for Formula One with female
drivers already involved with the sport in development and test driver roles at
various teams.
Danica has proven herself in the IndyCar and NASCAR series
so Formula One would not be a problem to her as the cars are a lot lighter
compared to what she would be used to in America which could help the team to
move forward in their first season in Formula One.
It would also be fantastic for Ferrari because although Haas
confirmed earlier this week that they are not a Ferrari B team it would be
fantastic for the two companies if they were able to put Danica in a Formula
One car as she is an extremely talented driver.
© Ben Johnston 2015
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