F1 News: Haas To Reveal Special Livery Ahead Of Austin GP Overhaul

Haas added Stars and Stripes, along with some upgrades.

The Haas F1 team has teased a striking Stars and Stripes special livery on an overhauled 'Red Bull-style concept' of the VF-23 Formula 1 car for the United States Grand Prix in Austin. After all, it is a homecoming GP for the American-owned outfit.

Not only in terms of aesthetics, but the changes also include some performance upgrades as Haas now treads on the Red Bull route to take its progress further into the season after a challenging year so far. 

The livery is said to be present on the cars of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg sporting the colors, the stars, and the stripes from the American flag. Also included in the design is the tagline ‘We The People,' borrowed from the American Constitution. 

The design also aims to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their title sponsorship agreement with Dallas-based finance company MoneyGram. A further tweak to the livery is expected to be revealed on Thursday 19th October.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said that the Stars and Stripes theme was chosen on purpose in the wake of a renewed focus on American teams in Formula 1, especially after the planned entry of the eleventh team Andretti Cadillac into the sport. He told the media:

“There’s obviously a lot of talk about American teams right now, but we’re still currently the only American team on the Formula 1 grid.

"Many have said for years that we haven’t exploited that fact, but I’ve always said that’s because we want to earn credibility within the paddock first. We’ve been through a lot in our short time, but along the way have amassed a very loyal, and growing fanbase, and we want to recognize them.

"Yes, it’s some nice marketing, but anyone who works with my team knows how passionate they are, and how funny and genuine our fans are. This race is dedicated to them as, we the people, make Haas what it is.” 

Getting that US glow up 🇺🇸⭐️

Your first look at our special livery we’ll be running in Austin this weekend!#HaasF1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/qKpWfyhCEe

— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) October 16, 2023

F1 News: Haas Reveals Austin Upgrade Package Details Ahead Of Japanese GP

The Major Performance Overhaul

Along with the special livery, Haas has extended the changes to the entire bodywork of the VF-23. The changes include upgrades to the engine cover, the car's floor, sidepods, sidepod inlet, quarter panel, and padding gills.

Magnussen revealed that they are hoping for a big improvement in performance but, what is more important is for the team to get a grip over the direction for 2024. He said:

“I’d be lying if I didn’t hope it will give us a big improvement, but I think there’s actually a second element to bringing this upgrade, which is to research for next year.

"I think we’re all secretly hoping it performs better than what we currently have but actually the bigger target with this is the research and the learning we can do for next year’s car. 

"I think it’s been clear that in very specific circumstances our car can perform, but it’s a too narrow window and we need to broaden it and make it more user friendly and compliant with a bigger variety of tracks and conditions. Hopefully we’ll be able to follow easier and be more friendly to tyres.”