Formula 1 is casting a wary eye on the unfolding political and economic turbulence in the United States, as new tariff policies and regulatory changes raise concerns across the paddock.
Haas Automation, the parent company of the Haas F1 team owned by Gene Haas, recently voiced alarm over the Trump administration's sweeping international tariffs.
Initially, the US government introduced a 90-day pause, lowering the baseline tariff to 10 percent, but tariffs on Chinese imports were escalated to a staggering 145 percent. President Donald Trump has indicated that an extension of the 90-day pause, set to expire in July, is "unlikely," intensifying worries for F1 teams with significant US ties.
With Formula 1 deeply invested in the American market, teams beyond Haas are now expressing apprehension about the broader implications for the global economy and their operations.
Racing Bulls, prominently backed by US-based sponsors Visa and Cash App, is among those monitoring the situation. Team CEO Peter Bayer downplayed immediate concerns, stating, "Honestly, for us, until now, no big impact. We have US-based sponsors who are analysing the situation carefully, but we're not expecting any big effects for the time being, also because I think there's huge uncertainty about what's actually going to happen with these tariffs, whether they'll come, to what extent, and where."
He added, "I think everyone is probably in a holding pattern, but for the time being, no big effect."
Ferrari, which counts American tech giant HP among its biggest sponsors, also faces potential challenges.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur highlighted the complexities, noting, "For sure we have US sponsors, but also a lot of US suppliers, sometimes buying raw materials in China. And for sure this is creating a kind of uncertainty for the future. But we have open discussions with them and try to anticipate every single issue. But it's true—it could be a tricky one."
Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell adopted a cautious outlook, commenting, "The global economy is going through a turbulent time. So we're watching, trying to react to what's going on, but I imagine it will calm down going forward."
Beyond economic concerns, Formula 1 personnel have encountered new administrative hurdles ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Previously, a work visa sufficed for entry to work at the event, but US authorities are now requiring detailed personal data and comprehensive travel itineraries, adding complexity to teams' logistical preparations.
