Haas has unveiled its 2024 livery, showcasing a stylish combination of black, red, and white. Despite the visually appealing design, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu seems less than pleased. Let's Analyze the 2024 Haas' Livery
The alterations primarily focus on the nose section, with some adjustments in the middle of the car. Notably, black takes center stage as the dominant color this season, replacing the white of the VF-23. The matte finish adds a darker and more intense look to the car, emphasizing the team's commitment to a bold aesthetic.
It's worth noting that the livery was revealed through digital renders, leaving room for potential minor changes when the actual car hits the Silverstone Circuit for a shakedown on February 11th.
This season marks a significant transition for Haas as it embarks on its first campaign without Gunther Steiner, the former team principal who led the team since its inception. Steiner's departure was an unexpected move following the team's disappointing performance in the 2023 season, where they finished at the bottom of the table with only 12 points.
In a statement, Komatsu expressed the team's realistic expectations for the VF-24's debut while acknowledging the excitement that comes with revealing a new livery. As the team prepares for a fresh start, the Silverstone shakedown will be a crucial moment to assess the VF-24's on-track performance and potential improvements over its predecessor.
"Out of the gates in Bahrain, I still think we’re going to be towards the back of the grid if not last," says Komatsu in a frank admission.
“The reason our launch-spec car is not going to be quick enough in Bahrain is not because of the quality of the people we have here, but it’s because we started late and then we stopped for two months to do the Austin upgrade,” said Komatsu.
He further added, "The team is recovering well, but you have to be realistic because our competitors are smart and they’re finding performance as well."
Despite Haas expressing hopes of the VF-24 becoming more competitive as the season progresses, Ayao Komatsu's reaction suggests a less optimistic outlook. There are indications that Haas might find itself in the lower ranks among all the teams.
While improvements to the car are expected throughout the season, the initial assessment hints that Haas could be the seventh or eighth-fastest team. This projection sets the tone for a challenging season for the team.
In a significant organizational change, Haas has appointed Andrea De Zordo as the new Technical Director, succeeding Simone Resta, who left the team at the end of the previous year. De Zordo, the former chief designer, now assumes a crucial role in guiding the technical direction of the team.
These changes and predictions underscore the transitional phase Haas is undergoing. The team's performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched, especially with the departure of long-time Team Principal Gunther Steiner and a new technical leadership structure in place.
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