The Uralkali Haas F1 Team has become the first to launch their 2022 contender, describing it as “the most complex project the Uralkali Haas F1 Team has dealt with.”
The team took to their social media channels to showcase the car that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will pilot throughout the record-breaking 23-race 2022 calendar.
The VF-22 is the first F1 creation from the team’s new design office in Maranello, Italy – led by Technical Director Simone Resta.
The team revealed the details of its intricate design and said: “The aerodynamics of the VF-22 is strikingly different to anything seen previously.
“New items have been incorporated to achieve the goal of the regulations such as a ground-effect floor, simplified front-wing, and a dramatic shaped rear-wing.
“Another striking new addition is the introduction of Pirelli’s 18-inch wheel rims and low-profile tires – designed to reduce overheating and allow drivers to push more on each stint.
“The VF-22 will be powered by the Ferrari 066/7 turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 power-unit running on fuel containing a 10% bio-component ratio achieved through a move to ‘E10’ fuel.”
Speaking about the launch of the VF-22 Gene Haas, Founder of Haas Automation and Chairman of Uralkali Haas F1 Team said: “It’s that time of year where you’re naturally optimistic that the hard work and effort of everyone will translate to a competitive entry on track.
“We made the decision back in 2020 to really channel time and resources into the VF-22, foregoing anything track-related for 2021 – which wasn’t easy to watch.
“Hopefully that decision bears fruit and we return to challenging for points and taking something from the weekends.”
Guenther Steiner, Team Principal – Uralkali Haas F1 Team added: “It’s exciting to be at the point where we know the VF-22 will be on track shortly.
“We all know what the team is capable of, we’ve proved that in the past, and with this new car – born out of a completely new set of regulations and with our new design team in place, I’m confident we can showcase once again that we can compete on weekends.
“It’s been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and now comes the fun part of getting the new car to the circuit and dialing in all the elements.
“Last season was a long one but I’m confident that 2022 will see us back in the mix with the VF-22.”
“This is probably the most complex project the Uralkali Haas F1 Team has dealt with to-date for many reasons,” reflected Simone Resta, Technical Director.
“It’s a completely new set of regulations and this season we’ve brought in a new team to manage the creation of the VF-22.
“Not everyone is new but a good chunk of people have joined with a revised structure now in place. I consider this as a great success in the process.
“We’re still early in the project and going through a transitional season of working together on a car for a full year, but if we look back where we started, this team is already a success.”
Haas will join the other nine teams lining up on the grid this season at shakedown at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya onFebruary 23-25.
Pre-season testing will follow at the Bahrain International Circuit from March 10-12, with the 2022 season kicking off here on March 18.