Haas F1 Team’s Technical Director – Simone Resta – has spoken about the VF-23’s development program for 2023 and the team’s overall objectives.
The American team re-established itself in F1’s midfield last season, competing for points on several occasions and eventually finishing 8th in the Constructors’ standings.
This was a relatively strong result after the team’s catastrophic 2021 campaign, although a lack of mid-season development saw Haas slowly drop off as the year progressed.
Haas diverted its resources to the VF-23 relatively early last year, recognising they lacked the necessary infrastructure to develop both the 2022 and 2023 cars effectively.
MoneyGram’s arrival as title sponsor – alongside the appointment of Nico Hulkenberg – represents two substantial changes ahead of the 2023 season.
Simone Resta – Haas Technical Director – has discussed the team’s 2023 upgrade plan whilst outlining some broader expectations for this season:
“On upgrades, I think it’s probably one of the most ”fashionable’ arguments in Formula 1, and I won’t spoil the surprise for anyone.
“For sure, we’ll have a stronger program of upgrades compared to last year, and we are still working on that.
“We are at the very beginning. We’ve just defined the launch car, so the team is working on it. We have our roadmap, but it’s very early to say exactly what we’ll do and when.”
“Last year’s pole position brought great joy to everyone in the team – it was the first for Haas. For me, our objective is always to maximise our performance in every condition, on every track, with both drivers.
“How that will materialise into a final result, I’m not sure. It would be great to see a podium or a race win. We always have to aim high, and let’s see what we can get in 2023.”
A lack of mid-season development has been a limiting factor at Haas for some time, so addressing this weakness will be critical.
After a sequence of campaigns characterised by instability and uncertainty, Haas will hope that the VF-23 machine can provide consistent results.
The team will trust that Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen can use their speed and experience to secure regular points finishes – if provided with the necessary machinery.
An improved financial situation should – in theory – allow Haas to make progress in 2023 and beyond, but they are not the only team making moves in the midfield.
Having first joined Formula 1 in a far less forgiving environment, the American team must capitalise on their wind tunnel time and build upon their reasonably competitive baseline.
