Gene Haas to take the wheel of VF-23 at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Gene Haas, founder of the Haas Formula 1 Team, will be behind the wheel of the VF23 F1 car at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 72-year-old American businessman will be on track at this prestigious event to celebrate Haas' 10th F1 season.

Gene Haas will be joined by the team's 2025 drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman , team principal Ayao Komatsu and vice president of Toyota's World Endurance Championship programme Kazuki Nakajima.

During the festival, both the VF23 and the current VF24 models will be driven on the legendary hill climb.

Haas will be attending Goodwood for the first time and will be the only F1 team to have an interactive stand at the event.

They will also have a special place in the Ballroom Paddock area. The team's first car, the VF16, will be exhibited alongside the current VF25. Visitors will also have the chance to see racing suits, helmets, vehicle parts and special memorabilia from the team archive.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu commented on their participation in the event: “I am very happy to finally be able to announce our participation in the 2025 Festival of Speed. It has been a hard secret to keep for a long time.”

"It means a lot to us to celebrate our 10th season in the sport with some of the world's most knowledgeable and passionate F1 fans."

“This will be our first major event of this scale off the track. I would like to thank the Duke of Richmond and his team for making this possible.”

“There are many more announcements to come regarding our upcoming events at Goodwood, and this will be one of the highlights of the year for us.”

Gene Haas, Haas VF-23, Haas F1 Team founder, Ayao Komatsu, Team principal Haas F1 Team

Photo: Haas F1 Team

Esteban Ocon also shared his excitement about this special event: “The Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​is an incredible event. I have been there once before but this time it will be even more special to be with my team.”

"We will be celebrating Haas F1 Team's 10th anniversary in Formula 1. There are many exciting things to share with the fans."

“Riding in this event is great fun because there is no pressure to race – you are just there to enjoy it and share those moments with everyone.”

"It's an environment where we can see historic vehicles and the passion for motorsport up close. I'm thinking of bringing my family because they've never been there before."

The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​will be held from 10-13 July.