Maserati to F1 or Formula E in 2018 (3rd Update)

We can see Fiat racing in a series with near zero fans (Formula E), but not Maserati. We shall see.

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'speculation' as Motorsport.com reports Maserati may be eyeing Formula E, not F1. The possibility of Maserati entering Formula E is still being explored, even though the company is yet to make formal contact with the series writes Scott Mitchell.

Maserati is owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which has been expressing its interest in FE since its CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed Ferrari had discussed whether it needed to enter the electric single-seater series.

Marchionne went as far as declaring that Ferrari "needs to be involved in Formula E" in March this year, then softened that stance a few months later when he claimed any Fiat FE entry would not be with Ferrari name.

FCA's other manufacturers include Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Fiat, Dodge and Chrysler, and Maserati has emerged as the clear favorite should the company step up its interest.

It strengthened its position in Formula 1 for next season by tying up Alfa Romeo with the Sauber team, which uses Ferrari engines.

Motorsport.com understands that rumors linking Maserati to F1 in a similar arrangement with the Haas team are wide of the mark, but an FE program is possible. Scott Mitchell/Motorsport

AR1.com just can see a luxury brand like Maserati racing in front of so few fans. To support that theory – It is Motorsport states that FCA has not made contact with FE, and series CEO Alejandro Agag's message remains the same: "I haven't spoken to Mr Marchionne but would naturally welcome his group into Formula E whenever the time becomes right for them."

Sergio Marchionne will slap Maserati name on Haas cars in exchange for free engines

12/08/17 (GMM) Haas could link up with the Italian carmaker Maserati for 2018.

Days ago, it became official that Ferrari-powered Sauber's new title sponsor would be Alfa Romeo, a Fiat owned luxury car manufacturer.

And now, Italian newspapers including Corriere della Sera say another Fiat brand could now follow Alfa into F1.

Fiat Chrysler president Sergio Marchionne is said to be in advanced negotiations with another Ferrari-powered F1 team, Haas, about a Maserati title sponsorship deal.

The report said talks with Gene Haas are currently taking place, even though the American businessman is not commenting.

When asked about the Maserati rumors a few days ago, Marchionne said: "We will see. Time will tell.

"We are thinking about it, but we have not made any decision yet," he added.

12/08/17 Maserati will reportedly return to Formula 1 next year, "taking over naming rights for the Haas team as early as next week," according to MOTORING.

Sources said that Sergio Marchionne, who is CEO of both Ferrari and Maserati’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, "will send the Modena brand back" to the F1 fray for the first time in nearly 60 years. Maserati was contacted for an official comment, "but its spokespeople knew nothing of the deal."

After the Alfa Romeo-Sauber deal signed last week, Marchionne hinted that his F1 "deal-making might not be over." Marchionne said, "Is it possible for the Haas arrangement to turn into something other than what we have today? The answer is potentially 'yes.'"

The deal would give Haas, the sport’s only U.S. team, its first major sponsor after two "self-funded years in the sport," with Maserati paying a rumored €20M ($23.6M) a season to paint its Trident badge on dark blue engine covers. Effectively, "the deal pays Haas’s Ferrari V6 powertrain costs."

Like Alfa Romeo's sponsorship of "perennial black marker" Sauber, it "effectively sees" Maserati paying Ferrari €20M a season, via Haas. The Maserati-Haas outfit will be the fourth "Italian" team on the '18 F1 grid, though only Toro Rosso and Ferrari "will actually be based in the country." MOTORING

The Haas cars get Maserati backing

12/07/17 Maserati will return to Formula 1 next year, taking over naming rights for the Haas team as early as next week.

Sources insist Sergio Marchionne, who is CEO of both Ferrari and Maserati’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, will send the Modena brand back to the Formula 1 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, with Maserati paying a rumored €20 million a season to paint its Trident badge on dark blue engine covers.

Effectively, the deal pays Haas’s Ferrari V6 powertrain costs. Like Alfa Romeo’s sponsorship of perennial back marker Sauber, it effectively sees Maserati paying Ferrari €20 million a season, via Haas.

The Maserati-Haas outfit will be the fourth ‘Italian’ team on the 2018 Formula 1 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 neighbor, Dallara, while the team also leases wind-tunnel time from Ferrari.

We have updated our 2018 F1 Silly Season page accordingly