Haas shows off 2022 F1 livery ahead of testing

Haas is the first Formula 1 team to give a sneak peak at the new 2022 cars. The American team has shown off its new livery on a mock-up of its ’22 design.

The team has already confirmed the car shown isn’t exactly the same spec that will run in testing, but it has provided some clues as to what to expect from the new regulations.

“It’s exciting to be at the point where we know the VF-22 will be on-track shortly,” team principal Guenther Steiner said.

“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.”

The full-spec VF-22 won’t be shown off until the start of winter testing in Barcelona. A three-day shakedown from February 23-25 is the first of two pre-season events will be the first time the car is on track ahead of the new campaign.

Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin both remain with the team after a scoreless season last year. Schumacher secured a best finish for the team of 12th at the Hungarian Grand Prix while Mazepin’s finest hour came at the Azerbaijan GP, arriving home in 14th place.

It meant that Haas finished rock bottom of the constructors’ championship in 2021 after a dismal year. The team did not develop its car from beginning to end of the year, instead opting to focus on the new regulations for the upcoming season.

If that gamble pays off or not may be critical to whether or not owner Gene Haas opts to continue his Formula 1 venture.

“It’s that time of year where you’re naturally optimistic that the hard work and effort of everyone will translate to a competitive entry on track,” Haas said.

“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. Hopefully that decision bears fruit and we return to challenging for points and taking something from the weekends.”