Monza's Straights Haas F1 Seeks Speed Boost

Haas F1 Eyes Gains with VF-24’s Edge at Monza

28/08/2024

Haas F1 is set to leverage the VF-24’s prowess, particularly on Monza’s famed long straights, aiming for a competitive edge.

Last year, Haas F1 did not bring a special wing for the low-speed layout of Monza, which greatly annoyed the German. This year, he is eager to race as the team adapts to the circuits it visits. This will give him more time to enjoy the track and the Italian Formula 1 fans.

“Monza is the last true high-speed circuit on our calendar, and it’s always special because it’s a track that stands out. For me, Monza is very special, there is an incredible atmosphere with the park, with the fans – the Tifosi – and all the heritage and history surrounding Monza, it’s really fun and it makes it a special race,” notes Hülkenberg.

Kevin Magnussen likes to think that Haas could be competitive in Italy: “It’s a historic race and circuit, with a unique atmosphere. The ambiance is there with the Tifosi, ultra-passionate fans, so I’m looking forward to being launched into this unique race that Monza offers with its long straights.”

“I hope we will be competitive there, our car has been fast on the straights. It’s unique because there are high-speed corners and there is little downforce, so the car dances a bit more and it’s always a different feeling driving the car at Monza.”

“Mechanically, it is quite important to tune the car very well to find maximum grip but there are new changes on the track, particularly the curbs, which will be important because if they change, you might be able to use them differently and it will change the sensations.”

The new curbs will be “a challenge.”

Ayao Komatsu, the team director, explains how the circuit renovations will change the game: “The biggest challenge for us at Monza will be the changes to the track: the resurfacing, the changes to the curbs and camber. I think the way the car will handle the curbs in terms of settings will be a different requirement this year.”

“Our biggest challenge will be the fact that it is a low downforce circuit, so normally when you go to Monza, you run low downforce, it is also a high braking circuit, so the drivers really struggle to have stability under braking. Normally, this is what needs to be mastered right away, but this year, the team and the driver will need to face the challenge of adapting our settings to the new requirements of the circuit.”

“Coming from Zandvoort, which is a high downforce circuit, it’s a very different challenge. It’s a circuit where you can overtake, so the importance of qualifying relative to the race is also very different from Zandvoort. It will be a huge challenge, but the same for everyone, and we look forward to it.”

Monza’s Straights: Haas F1 Seeks Speed Boost Monza’s Straights: Haas F1 Seeks Speed Boost

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