Brendan Lines

February 7, 2020

US based Haas F1 Team are the first to unveil its livery for the 2020 season launching the VF-20 in traditional colours that is hoped to correct the mistakes of the past. But all has not been fully revealed as the physical version of VF-20 is yet to take shape before it turns a wheel at Albert Park in March.

VF-20 livery – Image: Haas F1 Team

The VF-20 will sport a familiar look this year, harking back to the colours of founder Gene Haas’ Haas Automation. Fans will instantly recognise the black, red and white livery that has been a constant theme since the teams F1 debut in 2016.

Despite the teams forgettable performance in 2019, coupled with the defunct title sponsor deal with Rich Energy — which saw Haas adopt the energy drink company’s black and gold livery for the VF-19.

Last year’s Australian Grand Prix yielded a rare points finish for the VF-19 as Driver Kevin Magnussen took 6th at Albert Park in 2019.

The familiar yet fresh look of the VF-20 is hoped by Gene Haas to be a return to form.

“Frankly, I’m hoping the VF-20 will return us to the kind of form we ran in 2018 when we finished fifth in the constructors’ championship. 2019 was a tough season to endure.” – Gene Haas

VF-20 livery – Image: Haas F1 Team

Haas will wait until the opening day of pre-season testing on February 19 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain — for the VF-20 to make its physical debut.

Team Principle Guenther Steiner said on Twitter today:

“We are back to the old days, which are not this old.”

A great deal of expectation in the VF-20s performance is pinned on capitalising from stable regulations in place this season.

Steiner hopes stability will allow the VF-20 to deliver where the VF-19 did not.

“It’s allowed us to improve our understanding of the car and to scrutinize ourselves more in order to find solutions and applications to channel into the design of the VF-20. Last year was definitely a set-back, one I would never have asked for, but you learn from such situations – we all have. Everybody at the team was forced to look at themselves and understand what they can do better. I’m looking forward to seeing the VF-20 make its track debut. As always in testing, you want many things, but lots of mileage, reliability and speed would be welcomed as we ready ourselves for the first race in Australia,” he said.

As Haas fans wait with bated breath for the pre-season reveal, there is still much to play out that will affect just what car will line up on the grid at Albert Park.

If we can learn anything from Haas’ links to engine partner Ferrari, there is likely to be some similar ideas.