Haas’ Dual Aero Strategy for Las Vegas Grand Prix

haas sidepod bodywork

Haas is set to use different aero packages for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. This move caters to the preferences of their drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

What We’re Watching:

– Nico Hulkenberg will use the pre-US Grand Prix spec package.
– Kevin Magnussen will continue with the most recent aero spec.
– The team hopes to improve aerodynamic efficiency and solve tyre degradation issues.
– The team’s split specification approach for Vegas is based on each driver’s preference.

Go Deeper:

Last month, Haas introduced a significantly revised car at The Circuit of the Americas. This was a major shift in their approach, inspired by Red Bull’s successful downwash sidepod concept. The goal was to boost the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and lay a solid foundation for the next season. They also aimed to address the persistent issue of tyre degradation.

However, the team struggled to fully understand the new package during the US Grand Prix’s sprint weekend due to the tight schedule. In Mexico, they had more time to assess potential improvements. But the high altitude, which typically reduces downforce, left them with little clarity.

In Brazil, the team’s drivers didn’t have much to show for their efforts. Hulkenberg outqualified Magnussen for Sunday’s Grand Prix and finished P12, while Magnussen was eliminated at the outset due to a start-line crash.

haas car f1 circuit
source: f1.com

The team’s decision to use different specifications in Vegas is driven by the drivers’ preferences. “Nico feels that for him the old spec suits him better, and Kevin is the opposite,” explained Haas team boss Guenther Steiner. He added that the team has enough data and the decision is based on what each driver likes more than anything else.