What Gene Haas was spotted doing to rival F1 cars in the pit lane during the Dutch Grand Prix

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The Formula 1 pit lane can be a hive of activity during a race weekend, with cars jumping in and out of the fast lane and various teams completing pit stop practice.

At a certain stage during the weekend, teams are allowed to display one of their cars that has the latest upgrades fitted, having submitted them to the FIA before presentation.

This is to give media and the fans a glimpse at the cars from race to race to see what changes – if any – have been made before they run on track.

It also gives rival teams the chance to see each other’s cars in the open, and the opportunity to photograph areas that would be deemed ‘performance sensitive’.

Team bosses and technical personnel are known for snooping around during this period, and Haas team owner Gene Haas is no exception according to journalist Lawrence Edmondson.

Gene Haas spotted photographing rivals’ cars at Dutch Grand Prix

Teams try to copy each other by taking photos of rivals’ cars, particularly when it comes to front wing designs, floors, and other cosmetic parts on the car.

In a piece that explored the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, the Haas team owner was spotted in the pit lane taking photos of rivals cars.

“Team owner Gene Haas looks on as the car receives its final pampering ahead of the race start,” wrote Edmondson.

“He doesn’t attend every grand prix, but in Zandvoort, the 71-year-old is keen to pore over every detail of the car’s new front wing and takes photos of rival cars leaving the pits. Clearly he’s still a huge fan of the sport at heart.”

Williams causing an unpleasant situation at Haas

Haas is currently in a Constructors’ Championship battle with both Visa CashApp RB and Williams in the latter part of the season.

The American squad trails RB by three points heading into the US Grand Prix, while Williams is only 15 points behind.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari relationship

Alpine is also only a further 18 points off, in what is likely to be a tight battle for sixth worth millions in prize money at the end of the season.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu said the threat of Williams overtaking Haas is generating unease in their camp, as they struggle to finish regularly in the points.