While it was still seen in Austin as a great source of hope for an improvement in the pace and tire wear problems, the first doubts about the “biggest update in team history” arose at Haas after the renewed defeat in Brazil.
Just four races after the initial introduction, the American team in Las Vegas will now switch back to the old specification with Nico Hülkenberg. However, as one might expect, this is not about carrying out parallel tests with both versions, as the team announced in a press release.
When asked about the reasons for the move, team boss Günther Steiner explains: “The main reason for this was that Nico felt that the old specification suited him better, and with Kevin it was exactly the opposite. We decided to go with them give them what they want. We still have two races left and nothing to lose, so we tried to do what we can.”
“We could discuss collecting data, but we have enough data, it’s a decision based on what each driver likes more. That puts them in a comfortable position so that they like it with the car they get are as happy as possible.”
Las Vegas: Are weaknesses becoming strengths?
The Haas team’s performance in the Brazil sprint was particularly frightening when, in contrast to the competition, they relied on the harder medium tires and still had no chance against the soft drivers over the race distance and had the greatest tire wear of all the teams.
The update introduced in Austin should not only be a new concept with an eye on development for 2024, but also improve the tire wear issue, increase downforce and at the same time improve the efficiency of the car to be faster on the straights.
However, the Haas VF-23’s poor characteristics could come in handy in Las Vegas. Although the tires usually wear out very quickly, this could turn out to be a plus point given the cold temperatures expected to be around ten degrees Celsius, as it is difficult to get the tires up to operating temperature at these low temperatures.
Steiner on wear and tear: It couldn’t be worse than Brazil
“The low temperatures are a challenge,” says Steiner. “Everyone knows that you have to keep the tires above the minimum temperature, which is over five degrees, so we always have to keep them a little warmer. It’s a combination of the temperature and the roughness of the asphalt, but I don’t think that Tire degradation can be much worse for us than in Brazil.”
“On Thursday, during training, we will get to know the surface, the track and the temperature and then we will know more,” said the South Tyrolean, who is expecting surprises on the new Formula 1 circuit, and not just because of the special track layout .
“I think there will be surprises, as always when we visit a new track. I don’t know what to expect there, but with a new track and especially with a road race there is always something new, but I think It will be a good race.”
“The preparation is good – in my opinion they have the right people who are taking care of the preparation of the track. People who have already driven on street circuits, who have learned a lot and gained experience, because a lot depends on the experience they have. But I don’t know exactly what to expect. I think it will be very positive.”
“I always say: you should go back five years. If someone had said that Formula 1 cars were driving down the strip, they wouldn’t have even had a discussion about it, or I wouldn’t have had such a discussion because I’m never for that thought possible and now it’s happened. So it’s going to be special.”