Haas is introducing significant updates to its VF-24 car for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas. The American team has had a busy break, revealing both a new technical partnership and a key sponsor. The VF-24 will debut big changes in Austin, focusing on improvements to the car’s floor and bodywork.
Technical director Andrea De Zordo explained that these upgrades aim to boost aerodynamic load, which should enhance the car’s speed, though the improvements will be incremental due to the tight competition in the midfield.
Kevin Magnussen, one of Haas’ drivers, expressed optimism that the medium-downforce characteristics of the Circuit of The Americas would suit the VF-24’s strengths. De Zordo acknowledged that the track is known for being demanding on both cars and drivers due to its bumpy nature.
While Haas didn’t score points there last year, De Zordo believes the team is in a better position this time, particularly in their fight for P6 in the standings. He emphasized the importance of making the most of their efforts in order to secure a strong finish to the season.
In addition to the car updates, Haas has announced a new technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the motorsport arm of Toyota. This multi-year deal will see the two organizations collaborate by sharing expertise and resources. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu is excited about the partnership, citing the potential for Haas to benefit from Toyota’s technical capabilities and manufacturing processes, which could help improve Haas’ competitiveness in Formula 1.
The partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing is expected to be mutually beneficial, as Toyota will also have the opportunity to enhance its in-house engineering expertise through collaboration with Haas. This alliance marks a strategic move for Haas, enabling them to tap into Toyota’s advanced technical knowledge, which could prove instrumental in their future development efforts.
Lastly, Haas has secured a new sponsor, American insurance company Orion180. The multi-year sponsorship deal kicks off at the United States Grand Prix, with Orion180’s branding to appear on the VF-24 car, the team’s race suits, and other gear. This sponsorship further strengthens Haas’ financial position as they aim to enhance their performance and achieve higher standings in the Formula 1 championship.