To commemorate the sport’s 75th anniversary, Formula 1 has hosted its first-ever collective launch event at the O2 Arena in London. The F1 75 season launch spectacle saw all ten teams, including Haas, reveal the liveries that will adorn their 2025 cars. The Haas F1 VF-25 livery is a subtle evolution of the 2024 design.
While teams like Williams, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes are hosting separate events to launch their 2025 challengers, the VF-25 made its track debut on February 16 when the American outfit completed a filming day at Silverstone. Although the first images of the car from the private shakedown had leaked on social media, Haas saved their official VF-25 livery reveal for the big night at The O2.
It was Frenchman Esteban Ocon who found himself behind the wheel of the new Haas F1 car at Silverstone. Meanwhile, Ollie Bearman is due to log his first few miles during their second filming day. It will take place in Bahrain two days before pre-season testing commences at the same circuit.
How the Haas F1 team fared in 2024
Following the departure of former team principal Guenther Steiner in January last year, Haas underwent a profound transformation under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu. After finishing at the bottom of the constructors’ standings for the second time in three seasons in 2023, the American team turned its fortunes around to secure the seventh position in the championship table last season.
Public expectations were understandably low at the start of 2024, with Komatsu repeatedly warning that Haas would be near the back of the F1 grid, if not outright last. However, the Banbury-based team managed to exceed its own expectations.
With the downforce generated at the rear significantly more consistent in comparison to that of their 2023 car, the VF-24 appeared to be fairly competitive from the get-go. Although Haas encountered some difficulties in the medium- and high-speed corners in the first half of the season, the upgrade package introduced at Austin helped them improve the aerodynamic load and make crucial performance gains.
Nico Hülkenberg, in particular, had an incredible 2024 campaign. Including sprints, the German scored points 13 times and contributed to 70% of the team’s total. Him finishing P11 a remarkable seven times shows that Haas became a reliable threat in the midfield over the course of the season.
While Kevin Magnussen’s run of form wasn’t as impressive as his teammate’s, especially in the first two-thirds of the season, an improved VF-24 gave him the confidence to end his F1 career on a high note.
Haas ultimately narrowly missed out on sixth place in the championship to Alpine. However, they also scored points in eight of the last nine Grands Prix, registering their strongest-ever end to a season.
Eager to tick multiple boxes in 2025
The upward momentum bodes well for the American squad, given that they hope to finish higher in the constructors’ standings in the upcoming season. With veteran duo Magnussen and Hülkenberg parting ways with Haas at the end of their 2024 campaign, the arrival of a fresh driver line-up has reinvigorated the team.
In July last year, Haas signed multi-year contracts with Ferrari Academy driver Bearman and one-time race winner Ocon, who stood down from his Alpine F1 seat after five seasons. The young Brit was also their reserve driver in 2024 and made impressive appearances as a super-sub on two occasions. They exhibit a convincing blend of youthful potential and expertise, and Haas will certainly seek to capitalise on the partnership and establish themselves as a consistent midfield contender in 2025.
They are making great strides off the track as well, with Haas being financially self-sufficient for the first time in history in 2025. Given that their recent commercial success will allow them to reach the budget cap in the upcoming season, staying within the stipulated limit has emerged as one of their top priorities.
Furthermore, a technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing has provided Haas with much-needed resources and hardware capability. The deal has already proven to be beneficial, with the inflow of cash enabling them to conduct their first-ever TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme in Jerez last month.
With Komatsu at the helm, the Banbury-based outfit underwent a considerable transformation last year when it came to the process of building clarity about objectives, formulating strategies, and honing communication. Now, a restructured Haas F1 team is intent on building on their progress from last season and achieving similar or better results consistently throughout their 2025 campaign.
