Haas have unveiled their new VF-21 car ahead of the 2021 Formula One season, as Urakali joins the American team as their new title partner.
Urakali’s arrival brings a radical livery change in which the car boasts a predominant white livery unlike the traditional silver colour scheme seen in recent seasons except for 2019’s black and gold design, with the team now set to be known as Urakali Haas F1 Team.
Across the front wing, the end plates are emblazoned in the colours of the Russian flag which also features along the sidepods just behind the tyres and across the engine cover.
Team owner and Chairman, Gene Haas has spoken of how ‘very pleased’ he is to have Urakali in F1 as Haas’ title partner and ‘looks forward to representing their brand’ across the 2021 season, as pre-season testing takes place from 12-14 March 2021.
2021 also sees a new all-rookie lineup containing 2020 F2 champion – Mick Schumacher and Russia’s Nikita Mazepin who is known for causing controversy as recently as just weeks after he was unveiled as a Haas driver.
Speaking on the decision to shake up the team after three seasons with Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen at the wheel who were released at end of last season, Haas said: “It’s definitely a case of all change but I’m hoping that we get back to being in the mix for scoring some points at these races.”
Haas also spoke of having his eye on 2022 which he views as ‘the bigger picture’ with a series of major changes to the technical regulations.
Team Principal, Guenther Steiner feels that 2021 could be an ‘exciting year’ with Urakali on board as title partner and two rookie drivers in Schumacher and Mazepin.
Steiner however urges caution because Haas won’t be developing the car beyond pre-season and it will take time for both drivers to adapt, saying: “We face a year of learning with the drivers while technically we look ahead to the future. It’s no secret that the VF-21 will not be developed as we focus our energies now on the 2022 car and, what we hope, will be a more level-playing field.”
Expectations are therefore low with Haas ‘roughly’ aware of where they expect to be in the competitive pecking order, meaning that there will be pressure to ‘capitalize on opportunities’ that appear throughout this season.
Pre-season testing therefore will be crucial according to Steiner in terms of getting the drivers ‘dialed’ into the new VF-21, commenting: “Time behind the wheel is short – so it’ll be a steep curve, but I’m personally looking forward to seeing their development as drivers and as team members within Urakali Haas F1 Team.”
The new VF-21 will make its debut on the first day of the pre-season test on 12 March with both Schumacher and Mazepin featuring behind the wheel across all three days.
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