Posted on 21st February 2016
This afternoon saw the new American F1 team on the grid Haas F1 has launched its first car, the VF-16.
Haas is the first American team to take part in the championship since 1986 and is headed up by the founder of Haas Automation and NASCAR team owner, Gene Haas.
In a statement to the media today, Haas believes that the Haas Brand being associated with F1 will not only build on what he has achieved so far in motorsport but also help promote and grow the brand even further. Haas stated the following:-
'From an international standpoint, Formula One is the highest echelon of racing, and Haas Automation builds the highest-quality machine tools. When you hear 'F1' you know exactly what it is – a global racing series that showcases the latest technology and attracts the best talent in engineering and design.
'Haas Automation has an excellent reputation in the United States and I want that reputation to grow worldwide. Connecting Haas Automation with F1 in name and in practice is the best way to grow our business and elevate Haas Automation to a premium, global brand.'
The team's close relationship with Ferrari means the car shares as many components as is allowed under the regulations with the recently-launched SF16-H, but the chassis itself has been manufactured by Italian company Dallara. It is powered by Ferrari's V6 turbo power unit and also uses a Ferrari gearbox.
The livery was the source of much speculation over the winter and Haas has settled for a predominantly light grey and dark grey colour scheme with red detailing (see picture above). The origin of the name VF-16 goes back to the first CNC machine manufactured by Haas Automation, the VF-1, launched in 1988.
The “V†stands for vertical, which is an industry standard designation for a vertical mill. Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, added “F1†to the name to unofficially designate it as the company's “Very First Oneâ€.
The car completed its first lap on Saturday during a filming day at the Circuit de Catalunya and will be back on track on Monday when Romain Grosjean gets behind the wheel for the first day of official pre-season testing.
But I have been very impressed by what Haas has achieved in the timescale that they have and I have to say the VF 16 looks visually stunning. I really like the colours that they have chosen and it is clear that a lot of thought and hard work has gone into producing the VF 16.
Over the past few months, I have genuinely impressed with the approach that Haas has undertaken. Haas fully understands the motorsport business after running an NASCAR team and he knows just how long it'll take for the team to become competitive in Formula One and he has the funds, personnel and resources to fully commit to the sport which is nice to see.
Overall, I wouldn't be surprised if the Haas F1 team score some points in their debut season in the sport if luck comes their way but wouldn't be surprised if they didn't either. At the end of the day, the Haas team in its first season in the sport will want to build a solid foundation and acquire mileage that will allow them to develop and improve on the car for the next few seasons.
But let us not forget that Haas have two experienced drivers in Grosjean and Gutierrez who will be able to develop the car but can also deliver if the car is underneath them. But it will be interesting and also exciting to see just how Haas F1 perform in their debut season in the sport and I wish them the best of luck for the season ahead.
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
