2009 world champion Jenson Button has lent his support to Gene Haas’ proposed Formula 1 team, saying that it would be great to see an American team on the grid in the next two years as well as a second grand prix in the United States.

The FIA confirmed last week that Haas had been granted a spot on the grid for 2015, and the NASCAR team co-owner revealed his plans for “Haas Formula” in a press conference earlier this week. Relying that everything goes to plan, Button is confident that it would be huge for the sport in the United States.

“If it happens it is great,” he said when talking to NBCSN. “Having a race in Austin has helped getting a good fan base in the United States, although it still needs to be bigger, and this is why it would be good to have another grand prix in the US elsewhere.

“Having an American F1 team would also definitely help the fan base to grow.”

Button does believe that the logistical challenge of running an F1 team from the United States will be tough, but he has faith in Haas and his team to make it work.

“It is a brave move, and if anyone can do it, he definitely can,” the Briton said. “It will be a tough one though, especially if you are basing yourself in the USA, as I guess he will also employ people from Europe and the UK. There is for sure a different lifestyle that comes with the task.

“For sure the first couple of years will be tough, but he seems to be an intelligent person and will employ the right people to succeed with this project.”

The McLaren driver will be keen on bouncing back from his retirement in Bahrain this weekend at a track that could suit the MP4-29 car.

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