F1: Haas VF-24 Takes to Silverstone Track for Inaugural Shakedown

Nico Hulkenberg led Haas's VF-24 during its first official shakedown at Silverstone, the site of the British Grand Prix. Following a thorough management reorganisation during the winter, this event marks the beginning of a new era for the American F1 team. Even though Haas became the first team to run their 2024 Formula 1 car, Ayao Komatsu, the recently appointed team principal, cautioned that the team will be on the back foot in the upcoming season. When team owner Gene Haas was unhappy with the progress being made, he fired Guenther Steiner. He gave Komatsu the goal of making the technical programme more engineering-centric and completely revamping it. With the departure of technical director Simone Resta and team manager Guenther Steiner, Haas will undergo radical changes for the 2024 Formula 1 season.

F1: Haas 2024 Driver Lineup

In 2023, Haas had a very tough season, finishing with 12 points and last place in the constructors' standings. Despite everything, the American team has decided to keep Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen as drivers for 2024. Nevertheless, there has been a change in command, as Andrea De Zordo has replaced Simone Resta as technical director. Resta was on secondment from Ferrari. Haas is currently looking to strengthen their staff by promoting from within.

Oh how we’ve missed that sound

The #VF24 has completed its first lap at our Silverstone Shakedown. #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/si0zxLDjxg

— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 11, 2024

F1: Nico Hulkenberg To Leave Haas?

Nico Hulkenberg, a seasoned German driver who returned to Formula One in 2023 with Haas, is openly considering a potential transfer in 2025. After a year of vocal criticism of Haas' lack of progress, which led to the team's bottom-of-the-standings finish, Hulkenberg's future at Haas seems doubtful. The period of considerable change and unpredictability among the squad is highlighted by his thoughts on the team's performance and the recent dismissal of team boss Gunther Steiner.

A lot will depend on how the German driver does in the first few races of 2024 as to whether he stays with Haas or looks for options elsewhere. Kevin Magnussen, who is on the same team as Hulkenberg and has spoken out in favour of Haas's new direction under Ayao Komatsu, has also been affected by the reorganisation at the team.

After their first shakedown at Silverstone, Haas will head to Bahrain for a second one on February 19. Then, on February 21, they will begin three days of pre-season testing at the same Sakhir location.