F1 | Haas: VF-24 might suit Magnussen better

At Haas it is necessary to look at a disappointing 2023 to understand which areas to improve in view of next season, so as not to return to the starting line with the same critical issues.

During the last championship, the VF-23 proved to be an effective car on the flying lap, particularly when turning on the tyres, but more shaky over long distances, consequently suffering from excessive tire wear. Among the objectives there is clearly that of making tangible improvements in tire management, but also that of making a leap in quality from the point of view of the behavior of the single-seater.

This is an aspect in which, naturally, the drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, also hope, with the latter having suffered greatly during 2023 with a car not suited to his driving style. Already at the beginning of the season the Dane had noted some problems in extracting the most from the VF-23, especially in qualifying, an aspect where his teammate had achieved some outstanding results, guaranteeing Haas top ten positions.

The 2022 cars have contributed to rethinking the drivers' driving styles, because with such low and rigid cars, some aspects no longer worked as well as in the past. Added to this were the difficulties with the tyres, so much so that Pirelli had to review some aspects of the tires to make them less understeer. Although the styles may vary in numerous details, there are generally two broad lines of thought: the “V” style and the “U” style, with the latter preferring softer lines to bring a higher average speed in curved, but which also requires good stability when traveling.

During the championship Magnussen, who falls into that category which prefers the “U” style, tried to adapt to the car, but the characteristics of the car often made it difficult for him to find the best feeling, except on tracks more suited to the his driving style which helped to mask some limitations, such as Singapore. To give some more details, the Dane had underlined how with these tires it was complicated to be able to combine the braking and rotation phase at the same time, to which were added the limitations of the VF-23, which due to certain characteristics is more suitable for a flat style “V”, given that it was not able to provide the right stability at the entrance and in the first phase of travel.

In the second half of the championship, however, a single-seater with a revised concept arrived which, although it did not completely eliminate the limitations of the old car, contributed to modifying some of its behaviour, which also brought it closer to Magnussen's style. It is no coincidence that for the last few races, while his teammate then chose to return to the old specification, the Dane instead decided to remain with the new concept, even if it guaranteed less overall aerodynamic load.

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Kevin Magnussen chose to maintain the new specification also in the last two GPs because it guaranteed him a better feeling

Haas has spent the winter trying to resolve the problems it faced last year and new Team Principal Komatsu believes Magnussen should see some tangible improvements where he could feel more confident in the car.

“I wouldn't say we've eliminated the problem, that's a big word. But we've certainly improved the situation. He's a driver who needs good stability on entry and constant management in corners,” Komatsu explained when asked of the problems Magnussen faced last year.

The new Team Principal knows the Dane's needs well, having worked with him since he arrived at Haas in 2017 after his experience at Renault. However, during the past season he also had the opportunity to get to know Nico Hulkenberg, who represented the guiding light in a difficult season.

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Ayao Komatsu, Chief Engineer, Haas F1 Team, Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team

“Obviously I know Kevin [Magnussen] for some years. Nico [Hulkenberg], I really enjoyed working with him last year. I didn't know him before. Although, to be honest, when I was working with Lotus, he came to fit a seat – I don't remember what year – and he remembered it too.”

“They both know that I'm very direct. I say what I think. I'm not aggressive or anything, but I don't talk nonsense, we just don't have time to waste. They know exactly where I am and where they are and we work well together. In terms of strengths and weaknesses, we understand each other quite well. We have a good open and transparent dialogue, so I'm happy”, added the Team Principal.