Haas become the first Formula 1 team to unveil their 2022 challenger. Sort of. The team revealed a set of computer-generated renderings of the VF-22 on their Twitter account. With the new Formula One rules bringing in the largest changes the sport has seen; anticipation to go racing is higher than ever. Formula One, though, is as much a technical battle as it is a racing one so these renderings should be taken with a grain of salt. Haas will surely be keeping the finer details hidden as long as possible.
It is, however, not a surprise that Haas is first out of the blocks with its 2022 reveal. The Formula one team opted to spend the bare minimum of time on its 2021 car and put its resources into developing the 2022 challenger.
Growing confidence
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner was quoted: “We all know what the team is capable of, we’ve proved that in the past, and with this new car – born out of a completely new set of regulations and with our new design team in place – I’m confident we can showcase once again that we can compete on weekends.
“It’s been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and now comes the fun part of getting the new car to the circuit and dialling in all the elements. Last season was a long one but I’m confident that 2022 will see us back in the mix with the VF-22.”
This strategy also reduced the pressure on its new rookie pairing of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin. Providing the new car is more like Haas’ previous cars, expectations will be high to see Mick put in some good performances in the midfield battle. He has typically done better in his second season onwards in the lower formulas.
For a more in-depth look at some of the hints the renderings give us; watch this video by The Race below: