Haas set to close racing team as iconic personality set for Alpine return - RacingNews365 Review

Haas to close operations of racing team

Gene Haas is to close the NASCAR Cup Series team he co-owns with three-time Cup and one-time IndyCar champion Tony Stewart.

Stewart-Haas Racing has been going since 2009, with Stewart winning the 2011 title in a tie-breaker against Carl Edwards with Kevin Harvick also picking up the 2014 crown.

However, Harvick retired at the end of 2023 with the team struggling for years to match the performances of the bigger squads like Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing. 

The team will fold after the Phoenix finale in November, with its four owner charters all being big prizes for the teams who snap them up.

The decision does not affect the F1 team.

READ MORE: Haas closes curtain on major racing operation

Lewis Hamilton might have left McLaren at the end of the 2012 season, but the seven-time champion still keeps on how the team is doing. 

McLaren has leapfrogged Mercedes in the pecking order, with Hamilton talking warmly of how Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are performing in the MCL38.

READ MORE: Hamilton proclaims former team resurgence 'warms my heart'

Enstone icon returns

The flamboyant, if not controversial Flavio Briatore has been earmarked for a return to Alpine, at the behest of Renault boss Luca de Meo.

Italian media have reported that Briatore, who was given a life-time ban from F1 over his involvement in the crash-gate scandal and who had it overturned, has accepted the position.

RacingNews365 reached out to Alpine for comment, which is available in the full story below.

READ MORE: 'Flamboyant figure set for more hands-on Alpine F1 role'

Verstappen's Las Vegas changes

Before the first Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, Max Verstappen was not afraid of making his feeling felt, believing F1 was there for "99% entertainment" reasons. 

His stance softened up over the weekend a little as he wore an Elvis Presley inspired race suit and then did his best impression of the King of Rock on the cool-down lap. 

However, Las Vegas GP chiefs will ensure that the 'show' is a little less 'OTT' this time around.

READ MORE: F1 to make crucial Las Vegas changes to prevent Verstappen criticism