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Haas is the first team to reveal images of its 2022 Formula 1 car, showing off digital renders of the new VF-22.
F1’s all-new technical regulations mean the new generation of cars are a significant departure from their predecessors and were teased in the form of F1’s own show car last year.
Though Haas’s VF-22 is expected to evolve further by the time it runs in public at the first pre-season test at Barcelona, this is the first approximation of the new rules to be shown by a team.
Haas’s livery remains largely the same, mostly white with the colours of the Russian flag in deference to title sponsor Uralkali.
The car itself is the first to be designed by Haas’s new office in Maranello under technical director Simone Resta’s leadership, who has overseen a change in the team’s technical structure.
Haas did not develop its 2021 car as it opted to put all its efforts into maximising the new rules, which include overhauled aerodynamics and a switch to 18-inch wheelrims and low-profile tyres.
After a season of treading water, team owner Gene Haas says the launch of an all-new car marks a “time of year where you’re naturally optimistic that the hard work and effort of everyone will translate to a competitive entry on track”.
“We made the decision back in 2020 to really channel time and resources into the VF-22, foregoing anything track-related for 2021 – which wasn’t easy to watch,” said Haas.
“Hopefully that decision bears fruit and we return to challenging for points and taking something from the weekends.”
Drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin remain at the team for their sophomore F1 campaigns after a chastening rookie experience at the back of the grid.
Haas failed to score a point for the first time since entering F1 in 2016, with lead performer Schumacher only making it out of Q1 twice.
It was always expected that 2021 would be a difficult season though given the VF-21 was a barely-modified 2020 carry-over.
A full development plan combined with the dramatic new regulations mean Haas is much more enthusiastic about the launch of the VF-22, which Resta has called “probably the most complex project the team has dealt with to date”.
It has still been described as a “transitional year” while the revised technical structure works on a new car during the season for the first time but Haas team principal Guenther Steiner hopes its form will be closer to its 2018 peak.
“It’s exciting to be at the point where we know the VF-22 will be on-track shortly,” said Steiner.
“We all know what the team is capable of, we’ve proved that in the past, and with this new car – born out of a completely new set of regulations and with our new design team in place, I’m confident we can showcase once again that we can compete on weekends.
“It’s been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and now comes the fun part of getting the new car to the circuit and dialing in all the elements.
“Last season was a long one but I’m confident that 2022 will see us back in the mix with the VF-22.”
