Driven to Win | The Racing Career of David Potter
Driven to Win | The Racing Career of David Potter
David Potter Signs One-Year Deal with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team
KANNAPOLIS, North Carolina - After a historic Formula 2 season that saw him win 11 races and shatter the all-time points record, David Potter is officially heading to Formula One. The American phenom has signed a one-year deal with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, where he’ll replace veteran Kevin Magnussen for the 2024 season.
The move comes after Magnussen’s difficult 2023 campaign, in which he managed just three points as Haas struggled for consistency. Potter’s arrival marks a bold step toward youth and long-term potential for the American-based outfit.
“This is a dream come true,” Potter said in the official team announcement. “To be joining Haas—an American team—and making the jump to Formula One with them just feels right. The fit was there from the beginning.”
Potter’s decision reportedly came down to more than just performance metrics or team prestige. Sources close to the situation indicated that Haas’s openness to Potter’s interest in other racing disciplines—such as sports cars or NASCAR road courses—played a major role in the final deal.
“That was important to me,” Potter said. “I love racing. I don’t want to be boxed in. Haas understood that and saw it as a strength, not a distraction. Some other teams weren’t as receptive to that side of my career, but Haas embraced it.”
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu praised Potter’s composure and adaptability, noting his performances in both Formula 2 and recent testing roles across multiple disciplines.
“David’s shown that he’s the real deal,” Komatsu said. “What he did in Formula 2 was dominant, but we’ve also seen his work ethic, how quickly he learns, and his ability to jump into different types of cars and be competitive. That’s rare.”
While 2024 is a transition year for Haas and expectations remain grounded, the addition of Potter signals a commitment to growth and a potential long-term cornerstone for the team.
Potter will partner with Nico Hülkenberg, who returns for another season with the team. Haas hopes the blend of experience and rising talent will move them up the midfield ranks.
For Potter, it’s a chance to prove himself at the highest level—and to continue carving his own unique path through motorsport.
Driven to Win | The Racing Career of David Potter
Welcome to the big leagues
Driven to Win | The Racing Career of David Potter
I've made a few adjustments to difficulty settings and I'm hoping the depth of actual F1 mode will make things more of a challenge for me.
Driven to Win | The Racing Career of David Potter
David Potter Scores Points in Bahrain F1 Debut as Verstappen Opens Season with Victory
SAKHIR, Bahrain – March 2, 2025
Rookie American driver David Potter delivered a gritty and determined drive in his Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing eighth and earning points in his first start for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. The 22-year-old overcame early contact and showcased poise beyond his years as reigning World Champion Max Verstappen led from start to finish to open the 2025 season with a dominant win.
Starting fifth on the grid after an impressive qualifying session, Potter was involved in a minor collision on the opening lap that forced him to pit for a front wing change. Despite the early setback, he clawed his way back through the field with consistent pace and clean overtakes, ultimately crossing the line in eighth.
“I’m proud of the way we battled back today,” Potter said. “That first-lap damage definitely wasn’t part of the plan, but the crew got me back out quickly, and from there it was just about staying focused. Scoring points on debut is something I’ll never forget.”
Potter’s result stood in stark contrast to his veteran teammate Nico Hülkenberg, who struggled with tire degradation and finished a disappointing 18th.
The race saw Verstappen pick up where he left off in 2024, cruising to a commanding victory ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ George Russell. Oscar Piastri impressed in fourth for McLaren, just ahead of teammate Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton came home sixth in his first race since re-signing with Mercedes, while Charles Leclerc took seventh in the second Ferrari.
Bahrain Grand Prix – Top 10 Finishers:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
3. George Russell (Mercedes)
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
5. Lando Norris (McLaren)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
8. David Potter (Haas)
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
10. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
Potter’s eighth-place result marks the best debut for a Haas driver since the team entered Formula 1 in 2016, and injects early optimism into the American outfit's 2025 campaign.
“David showed today why we brought him in,” team principal Ayao Komatsu said. “He kept his head after the contact and executed a mature, well-managed race. This is a big moment for our team.”
With Round 2 set for Jeddah next week, all eyes will be on whether Potter can build on his promising start and continue his rise in the F1 ranks.
