Haas F1 Team has become the first team to showcase its 2020 livery as the American team returns to its old combination with a slight twist.
Having changed to a gold and black livery for the 2019 F1 season with the signing of Rich Energy, Haas has returned to its old colours of red and grey for 2020 as the American team surprises with a reveal, days before its official launch.
The VF-20 will be revealed on Day 1 of the Barcelona pre-season test on February 19 but Haas has already shown the new paint on Thursday as it becomes the first F1 outfit to kick-start the 2020 launch circus. There is still a slight change from its old self.
Before it was more red and grey but for 2020, they have added quite a bit of black as well, which provides a different touch and a fresh look. The brands on the car includes JACK & JONES, PEAK, BlueDEF, Richard Mille, Alpinestars, Windshear and Pirelli.
Along with the livery, Haas also confirmed its test line-up with Kevin Magnussen to get the first taste on Day 1 with Romain Grosjean taking over on Day 2 and the duo expected to drive on Day 3 – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
“I’m pleased to see the car return to the more familiar Haas Automation colors, it’s certainly a livery that people identify with,” said Gene Haas. “Frankly, I’m hoping the VF-20 will return us to the kind of form we ran in 2018 when we finished fifth in the constructors’ championship. 2019 was a tough season to endure.
“We’ve been through a real education process, one that comes to all Formula One teams at some stage. I’m trusting we’ve learned from those lessons and have applied that knowledge into making the VF-20 a more competitive entry.
“It’s important to me that we’re back in the mix and consistently scoring points, we certainly have the capability and we’ve proved as an organization we can do it.” Haas F1 Team principal Guenther Steiner added: “It’s always exciting to see the development of a new F1 car and undoubtedly the VF-20 has to deliver where our previous car didn’t.
“With the regulations remaining stable into this season, it’s allowed us to improve our understanding of the car and to scrutinize ourselves more in order to find solutions and applications to channel into the design of the VF-20.
“Last year was definitely a set-back, one I would never have asked for, but you learn from such situations – we all have. Everybody at the team was forced to look at themselves and understand what they can do better.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the VF-20 make its track debut. As always in testing, you want many things, but lots of mileage, reliability and speed would be welcomed as we ready ourselves for the first race in Australia.”
https://twitter.com/HaasF1Team/status/1225418451721822208?s=20
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