Haas has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade package for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, introducing seven modifications to its F1 car.
The 2024 Haas has undergone two changes, including a revised floor body and new sidepod inlet geometry, which have prompted further adjustments.
The modifications made to the main body of the floor have necessitated alterations to the floor fences and floor edge, all aimed at generating increased aerodynamic load.
Additionally, Haas has made changes to the size and position of the lower quadraplane in the rear corner of the car as a result of these floor modifications.
Furthermore, the team has implemented a revised inlet geometry on the sidepods, designed to enhance airflow towards the rear of the car by incorporating a longer higher lip. This has led to modifications in the overall shape and structure of the side pod, as well as adjustments to the mirror stay on the Haas F1 machine.
According to Haas Formula 1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, the upgrade aims to improve the overall performance of the car, particularly in terms of corner balance. However, he remains cautious and will reserve judgment until the car hits the track.
Komatsu stated, “Honestly, I don’t believe it until we see it on the track, you know, because even our previous updates didn’t deliver everything. We have improved the car significantly, and we are confident, but there were still some aspects that fell short. So, while we have high hopes for the Silverstone package, we will wait and see before drawing any conclusions.”
Haas recently climbed to seventh place in the Constructors’ standings, earning 12 points at the Red Bull Ring to bring their total to 19 for the season, just 11 points behind sixth-placed RB. Komatsu, a representative of the team, stated that their goal is to improve their championship position. With only 11 points separating them from sixth place, they are determined to go for it, as anything can happen. The team’s success in Austria, where they scored 12 points, came as a surprise to many.
Haas is cautious not to repeat the same mistakes as RB when it comes to their upgrades for the upcoming race. RB struggled with their upgrades at Barcelona two weeks ago, leading them to revert to a hybrid upgrade package in order to regain their form. Meanwhile, Red Bull has made minor adjustments to their RB20, specifically to the floor body and floor edge, as they battle to stay ahead of McLaren and Mercedes.
McLaren, on the other hand, has made changes to their rear wing for the Silverstone race, opting for a lower downforce configuration. They have also introduced multiple wing configurations to provide them with various setup options, as well as an additional engine cooling exit. Mercedes, on the other hand, has focused on reducing drag by adjusting both their front and rear wings. They have also made changes to the front brake cooling measures and realigned the upper lip in the rear corner of the W15.
Aston Martin has made adjustments to the front wing twist distribution on their AMR24 in order to enhance overall performance and improve downstream interactions. They have also replaced a component within the rear corner of the car with a twin-element arrangement to better manage the wake created by the wheels. Lastly, Sauber has introduced an alternate trim of the floor fences on their C44 F1 car to optimize the airflow within their package.
Overall, teams are constantly striving to make improvements and adjustments to their cars in order to gain an advantage on the track. With the season progressing, every point and position in the standings becomes crucial, and teams are willing to take risks and try new upgrades in order to achieve their goals.
Photo Credits – LAT Image
