After unveiling the livery in Moneygram colors, Haas finally unveiled its single-seater for the 2023 season, the VF-23, on Saturday. The new car, which made its track debut today at the Silverstone shakedown, is presented as an evolution from its predecessor, incorporating concepts clearly derived from Ferrari.
The first appeal is that of the bellies, both in the radiator vents, tall and wide as on the F1-75, and in the wide sides characterized by the typical excavation in which the gills have been inserted to expel the hot air. Another element that contains part of the DNA of the Ferrari is the step in the initial part of the bottom, similar to the one that Ferrari had debuted on its 2022 single-seater at the French Grand Prix.
The forecarriage area has been revised, with the lower part of the nose which now seems to have a smaller footprint for aerodynamic purposes, while the wing has been modified, whose upper flaps are now loaded more in the central area than in the external one like the ‘last year.
The team’s hope is that the VF-23 can be a step forward in those areas where last year it struggled the most, particularly on the faster tracks, while maintaining the good mechanical characteristics that have helped to collect results of prominent in the first part of the championship. For the new car there will also be a more substantial update program compared to that of 2022, which essentially ended with the package introduced in the middle of the year before the summer break.
Simone Resta spoke about it, the one who took care of the car’s shapes as technical director, a role he has held since he began his adventure with the American team in 2021.
What emotions and motivation did the 2022 results give to the team working at VF-23?
“After a difficult 2021, 2022 has been a really great year and has given a huge boost to everyone working on the car, both in the factory and on the track. This season we want to build on that momentum and try to take another step forward. I would say it was quite a young group, formed in late 2020 and early 2021, so after a year of working together, I think it’s a good opportunity to create another car together with better pace and better collaboration as a team”.
What were the main lessons learned from VF-22 for VF-23?
“Looking back to last year, I think there are many lessons and that we will be able to address them all. We found good performance on some tracks, but more difficulties on other circuits. As for the porpoising problems, we also tried to improve those. Overall, we collected all the feedback, set priorities and made sure that the new project was characterized by improvements in all areas”.
The Haas VF-23 during shakedown at Silverstone
Photo by: Haas F1 Team
Eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship meant more income for the team. How was it used?
“Eighth place in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship was a very positive result for the team. Of course, we always aim to do better and finish better, but I think it was a great step forward and that this will inevitably give the team some extra resources. “We always try to maximize the amount of money we can invest to take another step forward. That has been one of the goals of this new project, which is to have a bigger development schedule during the season.”
When did work on the VF-23 start and what were the milestones up to the presentation of the livery?
“The design work on the VF-23 started roughly after the first races of last season, basically as soon as we put the car on the track and got to know it. We then started working on our new model with development of the aerodynamics and some initial concepts. Week after week, month after month, there has been a progressive increase in resources, a progressive shift from one project to another, to the point that when it comes to closure when it comes to closure , the vast majority of resources are on the new car. There is a transition period where resources move from one project to another. Then it’s about starting to release the big production models, the chassis and then all the other parts, etc. In building a car, we start with the chassis and fuel system and then step by step we start adding building blocks like the suspension, radiator, cooling system, etc. to, etc. Then we scheduled the fire-up for early February, in time for filming day”.
Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team con la HaasF1 VF23
Photo by: Haas F1 Team
One aspect that is always discussed during the season is that of updates. Is there already a development plan for updates this season?
“As far as updates are concerned, I think it’s probably one of the hottest topics in Formula 1 and I don’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone. We will definitely have a more intense update program than last year and we’re still working on it. this, we are at the beginning. We have just defined the launch car, the team is working on it, we have our roadmap, but it is very early to say exactly what we will do and when”.
What are your goals and objectives for 2023, after a season in which the team took its first pole position?
“Last year’s pole position brought great joy to all team members – it was a first for Haas. For me, our goal is always to maximize our performance in every condition, on every track, with both riders. How this like this will materialize in a final result, I’m not sure. It would be nice to see a podium or a race victory, we must always aim high. Let’s see what we can do in 2023”.
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