Haas did not use any development tokens for the VF-21

Sacrifice short-term gains to bounce back better in the future? This is the philosophy adopted by Haas this winter. The American team, which revealed a new livery with a Russian accent this Thursday morning, did not spend any of the 2 development tokens allocated to each team to improve their car 2020 during the winter. 

This does not mean, however, that the VF-21 will be completely identical to its reluctant predecessor. 

« We naturally adapted the car to the 2021 technical regulations (whose changes concern the flat bottom, the rear brake scoops, and the diffuser, Editor's note), said Guenther Steiner, Haas team principal. We have new bodywork elements to accompany the introduction of the new engine Ferrari, and its cooling systems ».  

Haas therefore preferred to invest its resources and development time in the 2022 project. 9th in the last Manufacturers' Championship, the American team will be one of the main beneficiaries of the aerodynamic handicap system introduced this year. 

« We started working on it with the technical team in January, Steiner said. We want to make the best use of the time given to us in the wind tunnel and with computational fluid mechanics. (CFDs). It's been a bit of a slow start but we hope to be able to use our allocation in full ». 

At the same time, Haas is preparing to experience another difficult season, even if its Italian manager refuses to give up on 2021, and the new Ferrari engine embodies a reason for hope. 

« I wouldn't say it's a season for butter, Steiner said. I prefer the term transition year, a transition year before 2022. It does not make sense to invest heavily in the 2021 project in the short term. It is better to look to the new 2022 regulations. 

Afterwards, we always try to do our best when we race. It's not like we want to finish last. We don't want to finish last. The guys did their best with the short development time available to them. 

Let's also not forget that we are fielding 2 beginners (Mick Schumacher et Nikita mazepin, Editor’s note). They are young and hungry but they have no experience. It’s a deliberate choice, again with the idea of ​​being ready in 2022 by providing them with a competitive car. ». 

Steiner hopes Haas’ strategic choices will result in a “comeback” at the front of the middle of the grid " in a year.