Italian premium car maker Maserati could return to Formula One (F1) as early as next year, taking over naming rights for the Haas team. Sources insist Sergio Marchionne, who is CEO of both Ferrari and Maserati’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), is preparing to send the Modena brand back to the F1 fray for the first time in nearly 60 years. The deal will give Haas, the sport’s only US team, its first major sponsor after two self-funded years in the sport. Like the recent announcement of Alfa Romeo’s sponsorship of perennial back-marker Sauber, it would effectively see Maserati paying Ferrari €20m a season to paint its trident on dark-blue engine covers, via Haas. The Maserati-Haas outfit will be the fourth "Italian" team on the F1 grid, though only Toro Rosso and Ferrari will actually be based in the country. There is another connection that could be useful to Maserati, with the Haas chassis development and construction contracted to Maserati’s near neighbour (and som...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.