Haas introduced another series of upgrades to the VF-24 this weekend, continuing their development programme for 2024. The early indications are encouraging, with Kevin Magnussen showing strong pace on Friday Practice. Much like the upgrades that arrived in Silverstone, these components could give Haas a critical performance boost. According to Ayao Komatsu, the team have changed the narrative about their mid-season capabilities.
Haas aim for sixth in the Championship
Despite the budget cap levelling the playing field in terms of spending, there are still differences in how effectively teams develop during the season.
For most of their F1 history, Haas were a team whose upgrades were few and far between. It is quite common for Haas to start the year relatively strongly (as seen in 2019 and 2o22) before steadily going backwards.
However, a series of procedural changes have been introduced by Ayao Komatsu. The Japanese team principal made it a priority to rectify the inefficiencies that limited Haas in the past.
Speaking to the media in Zandvoort, Komatsu outlined the team’s mentality in 2024:
“I think it means everything to everyone on the team.
“Last year, it was very tough. The aerodynamicists, designers especially – they had a lot of criticism that Haas cannot bring upgrades to the circuit.
“Which is completely unfounded. We proved that this year, the designers, the aero guys, they proved that.
“So it’s really hugely motivating, and we are fully focused on trying to fight for that p6 until the end of the year.”
The battle between Haas and VCARB is very hotly contested. Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda are performing at a high level, with the VCARB 01 proving competitive across various track layouts.
Haas are certainly within touching distance, although there is little margin for error in the battle for 6th place.
Regardless, there are no indications that Alpine, Willams or Sauber will close the gap to Haas in the standings.
Therefore, it seems likely that Haas will secure 7th place at a minimum this season, which would be their best result since 2018.
