Haas’s 2024 season in Formula 1 got off to an unexpected start. After a disappointing 2023 season, which saw the departure of team boss Guenther Steiner and tech director Simone Resta, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team’s current state. Will the VF-24 be able to compete with the other teams? And can Haas get itself back on track in the long run?
New team boss Ayao Komatsu has already tempered expectations, stating that the team will likely be towards the back of the grid, if not last. But what do our F1 writers think?
It’s hard to see how Haas can break out of its downward spiral by simply replacing key staff members. Other teams have invested heavily in their infrastructure and personnel, making it harder for Haas to compete. Teams like RB and Williams are expected to break free from the lower midfield group, while Stake and Alfa Romeo also have the potential to score points consistently.
Haas does have a fast car and two capable drivers, but as the rest of the grid strengthens, the team is starting to look outdated in terms of simulation and development. Without significant resources and an established technical team, Haas is likely to struggle to climb up the championship table. The team’s driver line-up of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg is solid, but they are at a disadvantage compared to other teams.
While the long-term outlook for Haas is bleak, it doesn’t mean that 2024 will be a complete disaster. If Komatsu can galvanize the team and address the car’s issues from last year, there is a chance for improvement. However, it’s still uncertain whether Haas will be able to answer all the challenges it faces. The team may need to focus on setting itself up for the future rather than expecting immediate success.
One potential bright spot for Haas is the opportunity to land Ollie Bearman, a highly-rated young driver. If Haas can convince Ferrari that it is the right place for Bearman to develop, it could provide some optimism for the team. However, it’s clear that Haas needs to make significant changes and investments to stay competitive in the long term.
While Haas is still a solid team capable of good results, its main rival is likely to be Sauber. With former McLaren boss James Key now leading Alfa Romeo’s technical team, the competition at the back of the field will be fierce. However, Haas’ driver pairing of Magnussen and Hulkenberg may give them the edge over their rivals.
It’s important to remember that change can be the first step towards improvement, and new leadership can bring a fresh perspective to a team. Just look at the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL, who saw a turnaround in their performance after a coaching change. Komatsu will be hoping to bring a similar effect to Haas in the 2024 season.
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