Haas has become the first Formula 1 team to officially launch its 2024 campaign – revealing images of the design scheme that will adorn its cars in the upcoming season.
The American outfit enters the third year of the latest ground effect regulations bidding to recover from a tumultous season that prompted upheaval behind the scenes.
Having returned to sporadic points-scoring contention in 2022, Haas slumped to the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship last term with a total of just 12 points.
Haas struggled with severe tyre degradation across the season, which continued into the closing rounds despite launching a revamped concept on its VF-23 machine.
Amid the team’s plight to the foot of the order for the third time in the past four years, owner Gene Haas elected to not extend Guenther Steiner’s tenure as Team Principal.
Haas has promoted Ayao Komatsu, formerly Head of Trackside Engineering, to the helm, in a move that was described as placing engineering at the heart of the operation.
Meanwhile, the squad’s driver line-up will remain unchanged with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg returning to form one of the most experienced pairings on the grid.
Maintaining its recent tradition, Haas has posted renders of its 2024 challenger, the VF24, which comprises a livery that is an evolution of the design used last season.
The car also features extensive branding related to MoneyGram, the US financial services company that became Haas’ title sponsor ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Casino firm Play’n GO has increased its involvement within Haas on a multi-year deal which will see additional branding on both the VF-24 and the team and driver assets.
“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,” said Chairman and owner Gene Haas.
“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.”
The VF-24 will make its track debut at Silverstone on February 11 with Nico Hulkenberg before Haas heads to Bahrain for pre-season testing on 21-23 February.
“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,” Komatsu addressed.
“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.”
Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chief Executive Officer, added: “As we head into our second year of title partnership with the team, we’re extremely proud that our name and logo are such an integral part of the beautifully designed VF-24.
“Last year, our partnership helped MoneyGram to deliver cut-through branding, accelerate brand awareness and boost customer engagement, so we’re excited to see what this season has in store.
“With just about a month until the first race on the 2024 calendar, we can’t wait to cheer on the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team!”
