Haas wanted to keep its 2025 Formula 1 challenger under wraps until Tuesday’s F1 season launch in London, but social media had other plans.
Spy shots of the VF-25 surfaced on Sunday, capturing the car during a private shakedown at Silverstone, with Esteban Ocon behind the wheel.
The first leaked images, snapped from the Hilton Hotel overlooking the pits, offer a tantalizing glimpse of Haas’ latest machine—suggesting significant upgrades over its troubled 2024 predecessor.
And while the team is staying tight-lipped until the official unveiling, early observations suggest a bold evolution, rather than a revolution, for the American squad.
What the Leaked Images Reveal: Haas Goes Aggressive
Although the spy photos aren’t high resolution, the changes to the VF-25’s aerodynamics are impossible to miss.
Here’s what stands out:
- Refined Sidepods: The inlets appear tweaked, hinting at a revised radiator configuration for improved cooling efficiency.
- Revamped Engine Cover: Noticeable engine cover cannons, likely aiding aerodynamic flow and cooling efficiency.
- Rear Wing Enhancements: A unique cut-out design between the rear wing endplate and main plane, which could optimize airflow and rear stability.
However, one key element remains hidden: the suspension setup.
That said, we already know Haas has made a game-changing decision for 2025—one that signals a new level of independence from Ferrari.
Breaking from Ferrari’s Blueprint – A First for Haas
Since joining F1 in 2016, Haas has been Ferrari’s closest customer team, traditionally taking the latest Scuderia components whenever possible.
But for 2025, Haas has taken a stand.
- While Haas will still run Ferrari’s 2025 gearbox and rear suspension, the team will not adopt Ferrari’s new pull-rod front suspension concept.
- Instead, Haas will stick with its existing front suspension layout, marking the first time in the team’s history that it has intentionally deviated from Ferrari’s latest design.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu explained that this wasn’t just a rebellious move—it was a calculated decision.
“So far, in nine seasons of Haas F1, we always went with Ferrari’s latest supply—not because it was the best choice, but because it was the easiest choice,” Komatsu admitted.
“This time, we properly analyzed the aero hit, development impact, and long-term potential, and the conclusion was clear—we should carry over the front suspension instead of adopting Ferrari’s.”
Why does this matter?
- Adopting Ferrari’s new suspension would have required a significant aero overhaul, forcing Haas to take a performance dip before seeing any gains.
- By sticking with what they know, Haas avoids development delays and ensures a more stable platform heading into 2025.
It’s a major step toward technical independence, proving that Haas is no longer just following Ferrari’s lead—it’s making its own decisions for its own future.
What This Means for Haas in 2025
After finishing dead last in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, Haas desperately needs a competitive turnaround.
The leaked VF-25 images suggest a more aggressive approach to aerodynamics, and the team’s bold suspension decision signals a growing confidence in its internal development.
But will it be enough?
The 2025 midfield battle is expected to be brutal, with Aston Martin, Alpine, Williams, and Sauber all pushing major upgrades. Haas’ Ocon-Hülkenberg lineup is strong, but the team will need to prove that its new direction actually delivers results on track.
For now, one thing is certain:
Haas is no longer just an extension of Ferrari. This is a team making its own choices, charting its own path—and the VF-25 is their first real statement of intent.
