Haas has unveiled its VF-24 car for the upcoming Formula 1 season, marking the team's debut without former boss Guenther Steiner at the helm. The new model, unlike its 2023 predecessor, features a mostly black aesthetic, following the current trend of minimalism in paint jobs as a means to save weight. Aside from keeping the red accents on the front and rear wings, the most noticeable change is the black colouring around the cockpit and nose. Also, there is a major management change in the American team. After finishing last in the championship, team boss Gene Haas decided not to renew Steiner's contract, setting the stage for a pivotal season under new leadership.
F1: Haas 2024 Driver Lineup
The VF-24 will make its first on-track debut at a Silverstone shakedown on February 11, though we have only seen it in rendered images so far. After finishing last in the 2023 constructors' championship, the team, which includes Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen as drivers, plans to move up the ranks. Haas has begun a new era with the debut of the VF-24, which signifies their dedication to improvement and competitiveness in the forthcoming Formula 1 season.
Gene Haas said: "I'm looking forward to seeing the VF-24 running and racing – a sentiment I know I share with our partners and indeed the entire team. In Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, we also know we've got a great pair of drivers behind the wheel, their experience will prove invaluable again as we develop our program through the year. We've used the off-season to put the processes in place to be better and ultimately improve our overall performance. Soon we get to see how we're doing."
Ayao Komatsu said: "We're realistic about our expectations for the VF-24 to start but it's still an exciting moment in any Formula 1 season to showcase the car. There's a lot of work ahead of us to make progress and increase our performance but everyone here is highly motivated and eager to get on track with the VF-24. I know we'll be maximizing our time in Bahrain with all the various items we need to push through. Bottom line, we can't wait to get going and get the season underway."
There are big changes like Ayao Komatsu replacing Guenther Steiner as team principal. This was done following team owner Gene Haas's decision to initiate a shift in direction. This strategic move aimed to propel the squad upward from the bottom of the constructors' championship standings.
Other changes include Andrea De Zordo replacing Simone Resta as technical director. De Zordo will be filling the position left vacant by Resta, who was on secondment from Ferrari. It appears that Haas is favouring internal promotions within the current F1 organisation in their search for a new chief designer to succeed De Zordo. The reorganisation of leadership roles demonstrates Haas's focus to nurturing internal talent and facilitating a smooth transition within its technical division.
Write your Comment