Haas engineers on the new VF-25 and the 2026 project

      Andrea de Zordo, Technical Director of Haas F1, and Davide Paganelli, Head of the aerodynamics Department, spoke about the features of the new car and plans for the upcoming season.…

      Question: How do you rate last season and its results?Andrea de Zordo: The 2024 season turned out to be a long one, but in terms of cooperation between the Italian and British bases, it was the best in recent years. We worked more harmoniously, discussed a lot, and interacted well.

      We have significantly strengthened the design bureau, significantly improved the methodology and control tools, and although this process has already begun some time ago, we still have a lot to do.

      The result on the track exceeded expectations. It turned out to be better than we could have hoped for, and although we didn't manage to take sixth place, overall it was a great year.

      Davide Paganelli: Last year we significantly increased the resources of the design department, and we felt confident that we could achieve more. The mood is positive, we feel a surge of strength. Last season, we proved to ourselves and others that we are good at our job.

      Question: What are the main differences between the VF-25 and last year's car? What have you been working on? What are you waiting for at the Bahrain tests?Andrea de Zordo: The effectiveness of the car depends a lot on the aerodynamics, and that's what we're focusing on. Every year we analyze what the car does not suit us the most, and try to solve this problem.

      Last year, the car had some specific limitations that we tried to get rid of. In addition, we tried to strengthen her strengths.

      Davide Paganelli: We focused on the weak points while working to improve overall efficiency. In particular, we took care of the rear of the car, especially its rear wing, and did a lot of work in this direction. Let's see if the result meets our expectations. If we see on the track what we see in the wind tunnel, we can really improve from the very first race.

      We were trying to create a machine that could work effectively in different conditions – last year this was our weak point, especially in hot conditions. I hope everything worked out for us. We'll find out soon enough.

      Q: Is there a problem with the fact that this year there are two completely new drivers driving the VF-25, and not the ones you knew well?Andrea de Zordo: It will take time for us to work together, to sort out all the little things so that they feel comfortable in the car. Our new riders are very dedicated, positive and motivated. We are optimistic about working with them.

      Davide Paganelli: It wasn't a problem for us to develop a car for different drivers. We tried to design the car in such a way as to close its weaknesses, and with its refinement over the course of the season, new drivers will help us. They both strive to understand the car, are ready to adapt, adjust their driving style. It's very positive to hear that.

      Q: What do you expect from the new season? How do you plan to refine the car?Andrea de Zordo: The results will be even tighter, the fight will be even more intense. In such a situation, every point counts, so we have to act flawlessly. We need to focus on our work as much as possible and not leave any chances for our rivals, otherwise we will simply lose money.

      Davide Paganelli: We want to improve on what we did last year and work as a team again, working even more closely, even more harmoniously, in order to be ready to take on a new challenge in working with the car according to the 2026 regulations.

      Q: Are you already thinking about the 2026 car? When will the team switch to this project? What are its key requirements?Andrea de Zordo: The FIA has done a lot of work on the rules. The task is huge, and the changes are serious: a new aerodynamic platform, new energy management rules, and a completely different approach to improving efficiency. I say "challenge," but it's going to be fun.

      Davide Paganelli: We have already started working on the 2026 car. The FIA regulations allow teams to start working with aerodynamics from January 2, 2025, at the same time we started working on the simulator and preparing the wind tunnel for the new car.

      This year the fight will be tough, we need to prepare and bring new items as the season progresses. We will use the same philosophy as last year – first evaluate the performance of new products, and then proceed with further updates.