James Hinchcliffe Jokes About Haas's Mexican GP Success After His Test Drive

IndyCar star and F1 analyst James Hinchcliffe light-heartedly suggested he "may have sorted some things out" on the Haas car, a quip made after the team's strong performance at the Mexican Grand Prix. This playful remark followed Hinchcliffe's participation in a test drive with the American squad, which some on the F1 Nation podcast suggested brought a "magic" touch to the team.

Why it matters:

• Haas, often an underdog, delivered an exceptional performance at the Mexican Grand Prix, with Oliver Bearman securing a P4 finish, narrowly missing a podium spot to Max Verstappen. This result significantly boosts the team's standing and morale.
• Hinchcliffe's test drive highlights the growing synergy between F1 and other top-tier motorsport series like IndyCar, demonstrating how insights from diverse driving experiences can potentially influence team dynamics and development.

The Details:

• Hinchcliffe's Test: Last month, James Hinchcliffe drove the Haas VF-23 (a previous year's car) at the Mugello circuit as part of Haas's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, facilitated by their alliance with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
• Mexican GP Breakthrough: The Haas VF-25, the team's current challenger, performed exceptionally well in Mexico. Rookie Oliver Bearman, substituting for an ailing driver, drove to an impressive P4, a career-best result.
  • Bearman was in contention for a podium finish until Max Verstappen, on a one-stop soft-tire strategy, claimed the final podium spot with a remarkable stint.
• "Brought the Magic": On the F1 Nation podcast, host Tom Clarkson and former F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez playfully credited Hinchcliffe's test with Haas's recent upturn in form.
  • Hinchcliffe joked, "I may have, you know, sorted some things out on the car. It's no big deal, it's not a big deal."
• Driving Impressions: Hinchcliffe described his experience driving the VF-23 as "unbelievable," exceeding his expectations despite starting in wet conditions on an unfamiliar track.
  • He was particularly impressed by the car's combined traction, noting how early in the mid-corner he could apply throttle without the rear stepping out or the front understeering.
  • Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu also acknowledged Hinchcliffe's solid performance, noting it was valuable for someone of his caliber to experience a current-generation F1 car.

The Big Picture:

• Haas's strong showing in Mexico, spearheaded by Bearman's P4, has revitalized their aspirations in the Constructors' Championship. They are currently P8, with only 10 points separating them from Racing Bulls in P6.
• This performance underscores the potential impact of strategic testing and fresh perspectives, even from drivers outside the current F1 roster, in pushing a team forward.

What's next:

• Haas will aim to maintain this momentum in the remaining four rounds of the F1 season, with a clear target of surpassing Racing Bulls for a higher Constructors' Championship finish.
• The insights gained from test drives like Hinchcliffe's could continue to feed into the team's development, potentially contributing to future performance gains and car optimizations.