The first glimpses of Haas’s 2025 F1 car show radical updates as team makes daring design choices.
Haas F1 has unveiled the first look at its 2025 car after images of the VF-25 were leaked from a private filming session at Silverstone. Esteban Ocon, in collaboration with the American team, conducted the shakedown ahead of the official unveiling at the F1 season launch at the O2 in London on Tuesday.
The leaked images, captured from a distance at the Hilton Hotel across from the pits, provide a first glimpse at a car that promises to be an evolution of its predecessor, the 2024 VF-24. The modifications are subtle but significant, suggesting that Haas is looking to build on its progress while refining key areas of the car.
The images reveal several key updates, including revised sidepod inlets, which point towards a change in the radiator configuration. The engine cover has also undergone noticeable alterations, with larger air intake channels, and a unique cut-out design between the rear wing endplate and main plane. These changes signal a clear step forward, though the exact aerodynamic benefits remain unclear without further testing.
While the spy shots do not provide a detailed view of the suspension, Haas’s strategic decision to work closely with Ferrari on certain components has been confirmed. The team will utilise Ferrari’s 2025 gearbox and rear suspension, a product of their ongoing partnership. However, Haas has made a critical decision to depart from Ferrari’s reconfigured pullrod suspension concept at the front.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu explained the rationale behind the choice. “For the past nine seasons, we’ve always relied on Ferrari’s latest designs, not necessarily because it was the best choice, but because it was the easiest and safest option,” Komatsu shared. “This year, we decided to go a different route. After discussing it thoroughly with Andrea De Zordo (technical director), Davide Paganelli (head of aero), and Damien Brayshaw (performance director), we felt the front suspension we’re familiar with would be a more stable base.”
The decision to carry over the front suspension was made after careful analysis. Haas considered the risks of adopting Ferrari’s new front suspension, which would require a steep learning curve and a period of development before it could be fully optimised. The team calculated that the benefits of not disrupting their progress outweighed the potential gains of switching to the new suspension.
“The aerodynamics team made the case that switching to the Ferrari suspension would slow us down initially, and we’d be playing catch-up,” Komatsu added. “The front suspension carryover gives us confidence, allowing us to continue developing the car without the major setback.”
As Haas prepares for the official launch event, the VF-25’s radical updates and strategic choices highlight the team’s ambitions for the 2025 season. With a new front suspension design that builds on their existing knowledge and a fresh approach to the car’s aerodynamics, Haas is looking to make a statement in the upcoming Formula 1 season.
