Resta Labels New Haas a “Massive Rework” Compared to 2022

Breaking News & Key Developments

Haas VF23 Undergoes “Massive Rework” for 2023 Season, Technical Director Confirms

Haas F1 Team technical director Simone Resta has described the team’s new VF23 challenger as a “massive rework” and a “complete redesign” compared to its 2022 predecessor. This significant overhaul comes after a strategic decision in 2022 saw the team deliberately halt development on their VF22 mid-season to channel all resources into the 2023 car. The VF22, while showing flashes of competitive pace early in the season, ultimately saw the team finish eighth in the constructors’ championship.

Resta elaborated on the extensive changes, stating, “We’re looking at all main areas of intervention from 2022 to 2023. We try to save a few of the components on last season’s car but try to improve the aerodynamic performance of the car, improve the weight of the component and improve the quality of the component.” This approach underscores a holistic effort to enhance every aspect of the car, rather than merely refining existing designs.

He further clarified the depth of the modifications: “There has been a massive rework of the car – some of the components don’t look radically different – it’s probably more a development of the 2022 car but there is a complete rework of the car involving many, many components.” This suggests that while the visual cues might hint at an evolution, the underlying engineering and componentry have undergone a profound transformation. The team hopes this dedicated development period will allow them to make a significant leap forward in performance and consistency, addressing the challenges faced in previous seasons due to limited resources and development capacity.

The decision to commit heavily to the VF23 reflects a clear ambition within the Haas camp to establish themselves as a more consistent midfield contender in Formula 1. With the invaluable experience of Kevin Magnussen and the return of Nico Hülkenberg, the team aims to maximize the potential of their extensively redesigned car from the outset of the new season. Fans and pundits alike will be keenly watching to see if this ‘massive rework’ translates into improved results on track.

Mercedes Junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli Dominates, Extends Formula Regional Middle East Lead with Dubai Win

Rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a highly-touted Mercedes junior driver, further cemented his championship advantage in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship (FRME) with a commanding victory in the first race of the weekend in Dubai. This win marks his third triumph in the competitive series and his third in the last four races, showcasing exceptional consistency and pace.

Antonelli piloted his Mumbai Falcons machine to victory behind the Safety Car, expertly managing the conditions and fending off his teammate Rafael Camara, who finished second. This impressive string of results has propelled Antonelli to a formidable 54-point lead heading into the remaining two races of the day. His performance in the FRME Championship is a strong indicator of his potential, building on an already impressive junior career that has seen him excel in various karting and junior single-seater categories. The Formula Regional series is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring F1 drivers, providing vital experience in contemporary single-seater machinery and high-level competition.

Antonelli’s consistent front-running performances highlight his talent and the effectiveness of the Mercedes-Benz junior driver program in nurturing future champions. His ability to perform under pressure and convert strong qualifying into race wins positions him as one of the most exciting prospects in junior motorsport today. All eyes will be on Antonelli as he continues his quest for the FRME title and beyond, with many believing he is on a direct path towards Formula 1.

New Junior Electric ACE Championship Launched for 2024, Led by Dilbagh Gill

An innovative new electric single-seater racing series, the ACE Championship, has been officially announced, targeting a 2024 debut. This championship aims to provide a vital new platform for developing both driving and engineering talent within the rapidly evolving world of electric motorsport. Spearheaded by Dilbagh Gill, the former principal of the Mahindra Formula E team, the ACE Championship promises to be a significant addition to the global racing calendar.

The series will feature electric single-seater cars designed to offer performance comparable to the Gen2 era of Formula E vehicles, ensuring a high-speed and challenging racing environment. The ACE Championship is structured as a region-based series, incorporating a unique two-tier system: a lower-level ‘Challenger’ series for emerging talent and a higher-level ‘Championship’ series designed for more experienced drivers and teams. This progressive structure is intended to foster growth and provide a clear pathway for participants to advance their careers.

Dilbagh Gill expressed his vision for the series, stating, “We are providing a pathway for our drivers in the ACE Championship, at a low cost, but with high performance.” This emphasis on accessibility and competitive performance aims to break down barriers to entry in high-level motorsport, particularly within the electric sector. Gill further outlined the core philosophy of the championship, highlighting what he calls the “three ‘Ds’”: “ACE Championship is going to be focused around the three ‘Ds’ – we are going to be daring, we are going to be different and we are going to be digital.” This mantra reflects a commitment to innovation, distinctiveness in its approach, and leveraging digital engagement to connect with a modern audience and foster fan interaction.

The introduction of the ACE Championship signifies a growing recognition of the need for robust junior categories in electric racing, mirroring the traditional feeder series in combustion engine motorsport. By focusing on driver development, engineering excellence, and cost-effectiveness, the ACE Championship is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of electric motorsport talent globally.

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Further Reading: Top Motorsport Links of Interest

Delve deeper into the world of motorsport with these fascinating articles and videos from around the web. We’ve curated a selection covering everything from legal developments to exciting car launches and insightful interviews.

Just Stop Oil activists who staged Silverstone protest convicted (Guardian)
A detailed report from The Guardian on the conviction of Just Stop Oil activists who disrupted the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The article includes quotes from the activists, shedding light on their planning and motivations behind the high-profile protest. This incident brought to the forefront discussions about protest, security at major sporting events, and environmental activism within the context of motorsport.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to grow this year (Tampa Bay Times)
The Tampa Bay Times reports on exciting upgrades for the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a staple event on the IndyCar calendar. Organizers are enhancing the spectator experience, notably by offering roomier seats in the grandstands with 5 more inches of legroom, and introducing stadium-style seating in suites, with plans for wider implementation in the future. These improvements aim to make the race more comfortable and enjoyable for the thousands of fans attending the March 3-5 event.

Chevy set to make first IndyCar ERS run at Sebring (Racer)
Racer.com brings news of a significant technical development in IndyCar, as Team Chevy prepares for its inaugural laps with its championship-winning 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engine integrated with the new energy recovery system (ERS) at a group test in Sebring. This crucial test marks a key step towards the hybrid era of IndyCar, following similar tests by Honda. The ERS, conceived by MAHLE and based on supercapacitor technology, promises to add a new strategic dimension to the racing and enhance efficiency, shaping the future of IndyCar powertrains.

INTERVIEW: IndyCar’s Conor Daly chases Daytona 500 (Chequered Flag)
In an insightful interview with The Checkered Flag, IndyCar driver Conor Daly discusses his unexpected, yet thrilling, opportunity to compete in the prestigious Daytona 500. Daly elaborates on how the chance came about just weeks before the event, highlighting the “very good” upside and the “underdog” mentality he adopted. His dream of racing in both the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 underscores his deep passion for motorsport and the unique challenges and rewards of tackling America’s biggest races.

Formula E leaves behind a bad taste for many (Deccan Chronicle)
The Deccan Chronicle reports on significant organizational issues that marred the Formula E event in Hyderabad, leaving many attendees dissatisfied. The article highlights complaints ranging from difficult access to seating areas, non-functional air conditioning, unavailable washrooms, and a general lack of basic amenities like water, even in VIP stands. This critical feedback from spectators, including a minister and parents with children, points to a need for substantial improvements in event management for future high-profile races.

Car Launch – 2 Days Out (Aston Martin via YouTube)
Aston Martin F1 Team provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the final preparations for their AMR23 car launch. This YouTube video features glimpses of Felipe Drugovich and Jessica Hawkins during their team photoshoot, offering a unique perspective on the human element behind an F1 launch. Additionally, Head of Build & Car Assembly, Mark Gray, shares insights into the intense and meticulous process of constructing a Formula 1 car, revealing the immense effort involved in bringing a new challenger to life.

Searching for… The Best Fans in F1 (McLaren via YouTube)
McLaren F1 Team, in partnership with Google, presents a lighthearted video where rookie driver Oscar Piastri embarks on a digital quest using Google Chrome to discover McLaren fans across the globe. This engaging content piece showcases the team’s efforts to connect with its global fanbase and highlights the diverse and passionate community that supports McLaren in Formula 1.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it to us via the contact form.

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Social Media Spotlight: Moments from the Motorsport World

Catch up on some of the most notable and engaging posts from drivers, teams, and personalities across Twitter and other social media platforms.

part of the team & a pair of balls 😉 #f1 pic.twitter.com/YsPGH0A5JY

— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) February 11, 2023

Nico Hülkenberg shares a humorous insight into his integration back into the F1 paddock, highlighting the camaraderie and playful spirit often found behind the scenes.

the photo vs. the photographer pic.twitter.com/7vMVJtJu0u

— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) February 11, 2023

Alex Albon gives followers a candid comparison between a professional shot and the person behind the lens, offering a relatable and often amusing look at content creation in F1.

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science. 🔬

Here’s to the women and girls who play a critical role in science and technology communities, and inspire current and future generations.🧪 pic.twitter.com/SbFBalkZgG

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 11, 2023

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a tribute to the vital contributions of women in STEM fields, underscoring their commitment to diversity and inclusion within motorsport’s technical realm.

A taste of #F1 2023, direct from the cockpit. #GetCloser pic.twitter.com/Y4KYXJW5ZK

— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) February 11, 2023

Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber provides an exhilarating “cockpit view” snippet, offering fans a thrilling, immersive preview of what to expect from the 2023 F1 season. This brief video helps build anticipation for the upcoming races.

He won’t appreciate it right now but three other drivers told me today that Sam Bird was the consummate gentleman in his genuine & heartfelt apologies to those whose races he affected. If you know him you won’t be surprised by that. Short in stature, tall in class. 👏 #FormulaE

— sniffermedia (@sniffermedia) February 11, 2023

A commendable post from @sniffermedia highlights Sam Bird’s sportsmanship in Formula E, noting his genuine apologies to fellow competitors after affecting their races. This tweet underscores the respect and integrity present within the professional racing community, even amidst intense competition.

@clemnovalak

Tour of a Formula 2 factory #Formula2 #cars #TikTokEra @Gabriel Bortoleto

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Clemen Novalak gives fans an exclusive tour of a Formula 2 factory on TikTok, offering a rare glimpse into the complex operations and engineering prowess required to prepare junior single-seater cars. This behind-the-scenes content provides valuable insight into the world of F2 for aspiring drivers and enthusiasts.

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• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Comment of the Day: Celebrating Defensive Masterclasses in Motorsport

Today’s featured comment hails an exceptional driving performance, drawing parallels to legendary races of the past. After Jean-Eric Vergne delivered a stunning defensive masterclass to hold off Nick Cassidy and win the Hyderabad E-Prix, @f1frog shared their admiration for a truly tense and close race:

That was a masterclass from Jean-Eric Vergne to win that race with so little energy, a proper defensive drive similar to that of Ayrton Senna in Monaco 1992 in that he was helped by the street track but still defended brilliantly.

Scrap DRS and we could get drives like this in Formula 1.
F1 frog

The commenter’s praise for Jean-Eric Vergne’s ability to manage his energy and defend his position against fierce competition resonates deeply with fans who appreciate pure driving skill. The comparison to Ayrton Senna’s iconic defensive drive at Monaco in 1992 highlights the rarity and brilliance of such performances. Senna, facing superior machinery, famously held off Nigel Mansell for lap after lap, showcasing an unparalleled ability to place his car and break the tow, using the narrow confines of the street circuit to his advantage.

This type of racing, where overtakes are earned through strategic positioning and relentless defense rather than purely aerodynamic advantage, sparks a long-standing debate among motorsport enthusiasts: the role of driver aids like DRS (Drag Reduction System) in Formula 1. F1 frog’s call to “Scrap DRS” reflects a desire for more raw, unassisted racing battles, where the skill of a driver to defend a position with minimal energy or in an inferior car can truly shine, potentially leading to more memorable and suspenseful races akin to Vergne’s recent triumph or Senna’s legendary drive.

Happy Birthday!

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On This Day in Motorsport History

• **40 years ago today:** The Formula 1 season was originally scheduled to commence at Kyalami, South Africa. However, due to late rule changes that required teams more time to adapt and prepare their cars, the race was postponed and rescheduled to take place at the end of the season. This unforeseen delay caused a significant shake-up in the initial F1 calendar and planning.