The Haas Formula 1 team showed the livery of the VF-24, the new battle weapon of drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, to the outside world on Friday afternoon. Not much has changed in the appearance of the car, but internal changes have been made. Team owner Gene Haas and the new team boss of the American team Ayao Komatsu discuss expectations for 2024.
As we have come to expect from Haas F1, the team’s presentation consisted only of a series of photos. Haas announced in an attached press release that it cannot wait for the new season. “I’m looking forward to seeing the VF-24 drive and race,” begins the 71-year-old American. “It’s a feeling I share with our partners and the entire team.”
“With Nico (Hülkenberg, ed.) and Kevin (Magnussen, ed.) we also know that we have a great driving duo,” the team owner continues. “Their experience will once again be invaluable as we continue to develop our program throughout the year. We used the winter period to put the processes in motion to get better and ultimately improve our overall performance. We’ll see how we do soon,” Haas’ message said.
Komatsu cautious about opportunities in 2024
Last year, much to the dismay of owner Haas, the American team finished last in the constructors’ championship. The 71-year-old decided to intervene. He victimized team boss Guenther Steiner and appointed Komatsu as his replacement. The Japanese must guide the team towards the front of midfield again.
That will probably take some time and according to Komatsu, one should not expect miracles in 2024. “We are realistic about our expectations of the VF-24, but it remains an exciting moment in every Formula 1 season to show the car,” the Japanese said in the press release. “We have a lot of work to do as we struggle to make progress and improve our performance, but everyone is highly motivated and eager to get the VF-24 out on the road. I know we will make full use of our time in Bahrain. In short, we can’t wait to get started and start the season,” Komatsu concluded.
