Haas F1 are hopeful their incoming upgrade package will reverse their declining fortunes in the last stretch of 2023.
Haas was uncompetitive once again in Losail, with the VF-23 lacking the necessary performance to score points. This increasingly predictable pattern has seen the team slip further down the standings. Alfa Romeo’s points have pushed the American squad into 9th overall, with AlphaTauri within striking distance.
Unfortunately, Guenther Steiner’s team is developing a reputation for becoming less competitive as seasons progress. Previously, a lack of budget was attributed as the cause for this weakness. To some degree, this is still true. Haas is still trying to meet F1’s budget cap as it acquires more sponsorships.
Despite this, there are other fundamental issues with the team’s development. The team lacks the necessary infrastructure to produce and manufacture enough parts. This impact is substantial on a basic level, with Haas often short of spare parts compared to rival teams. More significantly, this gap means Haas is unable to produce a high volume of upgrades throughout the season.
As a result, keeping up with the rest of the field becomes almost impossible. Fortunately, a massive update package is set to arrive for the upcoming Grand Prix in COTA. It is understood that Red Bull’s concept has served as inspiration for these changes.
All hopes on COTA Upgrades
Speaking after the 17th round of 2023, Guenther Steiner spoke candidly about the team’s situation:
“The end of this spec car ended worse than it started, so we’re thankful to see the end of it, but today was also not a good day.
“Nico starting in the wrong grid spot at the beginning didn’t help at all because once you get 10 seconds behind at the start of the race where we are, you have no chance.
“We fought, but it wasn’t enough. We’ll come back to Austin with the upgrade, and hopefully, it works. And at least we know we’re doing things to move forward – we’re not sitting here waiting for the end of the season.
“We will work hard until the end of the season.”
A difficult one for us tonight 🏁#HaasF1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/ap41Go2DVU
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) October 8, 2023
Setting foundations for 2024
Under the current F1 regulations, it is clear that Adrian Newey and Pierre Wache’s Red Bull philosophy reigns supreme. Most of the field has diverged with their general design, and Haas is following this direction. However, with only a handful of Grand Prix left, Haas will have a limited time to collect data on their new parts.
The 2024 season is within sight, so Guenther Steiner’s team cannot afford to enter the winter break with unanswered questions. It will be imperative to understand the correct direction and development path to pursue for next year. Although Haas typically starts the year relatively strongly, the field is increasingly competitive.
McLaren have woken up from their slumber, whilst Aston Martin – despite their mistakes – will surely be a threat next season. Alpine has all the resources to outperform Haas again, whilst even Williams is showing real ambition. AlphaTauri can also be expected to make a leap forward with its increased collaboration with Red Bull.
Therefore, F1’s only American team must prove they aren’t just there to make up the numbers.
