It’s been reported by Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt that Haas are set to introduce a ‘B’ car at the United States Grand Prix next month, which will supposedly be inspired by Red Bull.
Both Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg were very critical of the VF-23 at the recent Italian Grand Prix, where Haas’ race pace was abysmal.
The American side have often looked very good over one-lap thanks to being able to generate heat into the tyres quickly; however, in a race this results to poor tyre degradation.
Hulkenberg and Magnussen have both struggled massively to look after their tyres, with Magnussen insisting that the team just have to show “patience” in order to improve.
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“It’s just a paradox that we have one of the weakest cars with the strongest foundation I’ve seen in the team,” said Magnussen.
“Right now it’s all about enduring it and having patience.”
It seems that the Haas duo’s patience will only have to last until Formula 1 visits the Circuit of the Americas, where Haas will introduce a ‘B’ car “closely based on the Red Bull”.
“The floor, sidepods and engine cover will adopt elements from the fastest car in the field,” Schmidt reported.
Haas won’t be the first team this season to have dramatically changed their concept to copy Red Bull, who are yet to be defeated this year.
McLaren adopted the Austrians philosophy at the Austrian Grand Prix and have been stronger ever since, to the extent that Lando Norris has claimed two podiums since Austria, whilst Oscar Piastri has picked up a P2 in the Belgian Grand Prix sprint.
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All Haas need is to introduce an upgrade which will help preserve their tyres better, given that Hulkenberg in particular has consistently been able to progress to Q3.
Should the upgrades in Texas do this, then Haas could take the fight to Williams for seventh in the Constructors’ Championship.
According to Schmidt, Haas and engine partner Ferrari will be changing their transmission and chassis for 2024 to follow Red Bull’s philosophy, meaning that significant change is on the way.