Haas reveals 2020 F1 car shots
Haas has unveiled computer-generated images of its 2020 Formula 1 car, the VF-20, and team founder Gene Haas hopes the return to its traditional colours will represent a comeback following a tough last season.
The US team struggled with extracting optimum performance from its 2019 car in combination with Pirelli’s tyres which saw it drop to ninth place in the F1 constructors’ world championship.
Haas has unveiled computer-generated images of its 2020 Formula 1 car, the VF-20, and team founder Gene Haas hopes the return to its traditional colours will represent a comeback following a tough last season.
The US team struggled with extracting optimum performance from its 2019 car in combination with Pirelli’s tyres which saw it drop to ninth place in the F1 constructors’ world championship.
Last year Haas ran an eye-catching black and gold livery as part of its short-lived title sponsorship from Rich Energy but since splitting with the energy drinks company it has opted to return to its while, black and red colour scheme.
“I’m pleased to see the car return to the more familiar Haas Automation colours, it’s certainly a livery that people identify with,” Haas said. “Frankly, I’m hoping the VF-20 will return us to the kind of form we ran in 2018 when we finished fifth in the constructors’ championship.
“2019 was a tough season to endure. We’ve been through a real education process, one that comes to all Formula 1 teams at some stage. I’m trusting we’ve learned from those lessons and have applied that knowledge into making the VF-20 a more competitive entry.
“It’s important to me that we’re back in the mix and consistently scoring points, we certainly have the capability and we’ve proved as an organisation we can do it.”
Haas opted for an early development switch on its 2020 F1 car after discovering inherit design problems with the VF-19 last year.
Team principal Guenther Steiner is confident the lessons of last year have been learnt and the VF-20 will allow the team to bounce back in the midfield F1 fight.
“It’s always exciting to see the development of a new Formula 1 car and undoubtedly the VF-20 has to deliver where our previous car didn’t,” Steiner said. “With the regulations remaining stable into this season, it’s allowed us to improve our understanding of the car and to scrutinize ourselves more in order to find solutions and applications to channel into the design of the VF-20.
We couldn’t wait any longer…
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 6, 2020
Presenting our new look for 2020 #VF20 #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/EJAYq6C6NY
“Last year was definitely a set-back, one I would never have asked for, but you learn from such situations – we all have. Everybody at the team was forced to look at themselves and understand what they can do better.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the VF-20 make its track debut. As always in testing, you want many things, but lots of mileage, reliability and speed would be welcomed as we ready ourselves for the first race in Australia.”
Haas will officially reveal its 2020 F1 car alongside Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen on the opening day of pre-season testing at Circuit de Catalunya at 8am on February 19 outside its team garage.
Magnussen will debut the VF-20 on track before handing over to teammate Grosjean on day two with the pair expected to split driving duties on the final day of the first test.
