Haas is preparing to defend its position as the fifth force, with Williams as the main contender to overtake the Italian-American team. Unlike the British car, the new VF-25 is built around a new chassis, allowing a redesign of the under-the-hood architecture. Testing in Bahrain highlighted the work done on the front wing and floor, showing an evolution of the 2024 project.
Updates beneath the surface
For the first time in its history, Haas has opted not to adopt Ferrari’s new front suspension while still purchasing the updated rear assembly. However, this decision was not driven by cost concerns, as the team still developed a new chassis. Instead, the American team chose continuity, avoiding the initial aerodynamic setback that switching to a pull rod would have caused while opening up a new development path. The strategy was to build on the solid foundation from 2024, continuing with the push rod layout to remain competitive from the outset.
The chassis redesign has nevertheless removed previous constraints on aerodynamic development, facilitating further modifications to the car. For example, the VF-25 features revised air intakes on either side of the cockpit, which are now wider with the upper lip extending forward, but without adopting the P-shaped contour seen elsewhere. This suggests work on internal ducting and the integration of radiators, electronic boxes, and other components housed under the engine cover.
These changes also affect the external bodywork, though the side profile might misleadingly suggest an exact overlap between the 2024 downwash sidepods and the new specification. The volume of the undercut near the chassis has changed in pursuit of a better balance between increasing local pressure to shield against turbulence and channeling airflow toward the rear. However, it is essential to consider its impact on air extraction along the floor’s edges, where other updates can be seen.
Aerodynamic work
As always, the most significant changes are hidden beneath the car. The greater visibility of the lateral anti-intrusion cone fairing suggests a reshaping of the Venturi channels, possibly taking advantage of the repositioning of some electronic components under the hood. Additionally, the VF-25 seen in Bahrain features an updated outer floor edge, indicating a more aggressive lateral extraction of airflow from the Venturi channels, benefiting from the increased air volume channeled under the sidepods.
Other notable updates involve the front wing. While not radically altered, Haas has adjusted the upper profiles, with the impression that the final element of the fixed section near the nose is now more laid back than before. These wing modifications influence the car’s entire downstream aerodynamics, altering the airflow structures that interact with the suspension arms.
The front wing has also been updated with revised vertical endplates, featuring a notch designed to enhance the outwash effect by directing airflow outward from the front wheels. Overall, the VF-25 is an evolution of the 2024 project, maintaining the continuity that the team hopes will be a strength. In Bahrain, Haas took a very conservative approach, avoiding chasing lap times, meaning we will have to wait until Melbourne to get a first indication of the team’s ambitions.
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