Gene Haas is targeting a current Formula One driver to spearhead his entrance into the sport in 2016.

The American is F1’s newest team owner, with Haas Formula due to take their place on the grid in less than two years’ time.

After being granted an entry by the FIA earlier this year, Haas is at the start of what will be a long, tough road towards becoming a fully-fledged F1 marque.

Although the 61-year-old was in the paddock at the Canadian GP weekend learning the ropes, doubts are naturally swirling as to whether his plans will come to fruition.

Haas at least has a motor racing pedigree given he is one half of the successful Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR team.

That, though, almost counts for nothing given the millions of dollars required simply to start up in F1 these days, never mind compete.

One key aspect Haas is currently considering is his driver line-up, and unsurprisingly there are a number of names being linked.

“We’re looking for an American woman driver!” joked Haas initially, although that is not beyond the realms of possibility as America’s top female star Danica Patrick has been mooted.

Haas added: “Seat number one is obviously going to be taken by an existing F1 driver who has experience with the current engine package and chassis, and then position two is open.

“Obviously, it would be great if we could put an American in there. That would just be the home run... an American team with an American driver in a European series. That would be phenomenal.”

One of the biggest keys to success will be the power unit supplier, with Ferrari the top pick ahead of Mercedes and Renault.

Haas and Guenther Steiner, Ford’s former motorsport technical head who is due to become team principal, were primarily spotted at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve chatting with Ferrari’s Marco Mattiacci.

“We’ve spent a lot of time with Ferrari, talked a little bit with Mercedes. The engine supplier is half the equation here, and we’re still working on that,” said Haas.