F1: Gene Haas to Drive VF23 at Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb

Gene Haas is set to do something he’s never done before, driving a Formula 1 car in public. The 72-year-old founder of the Haas F1 Team will get behind the wheel of the 2023 VF-23 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 11. It’s part of the team’s 10-year celebration in F1, and a rare moment where the man behind the team steps into the spotlight. Gene Haas has been part of F1 since 2016, but this will be his first time taking the car up the hill himself in front of fans.

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He won’t be the only one representing the team. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu will also be in action, driving the VF-24 during the same event. Komatsu took over from Guenther Steiner in 2024 and has been leading the team. Ahead of the event, both Haas and Komatsu quietly completed a private test at Silverstone’s Stowe circuit. It was a warm-up to make sure they’re ready for the climb—and to settle any nerves.

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Kazuki Nakajima will also take part in the Goodwood FOS, who will take the VF-23 up the hill. It’s a nod to the technical partnership between Haas and Toyota. The link between the two teams is growing stronger, and these drives are an early sign of what’s to come.

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Fans at Goodwood have more to look forward to. Current Haas drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon will each get time in the VF-23. Off the hill, Haas will show off two important cars. The VF-16, the team’s first F1 car from 2016, will sit alongside the latest VF-25, which will be rushed over from the British Grand Prix.