First pictures: Haas presents its new VF-21 for 2021

Haas has presented its new VF-21 for the 2021 F1 season ahead of the start of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit today.

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The team ran the car in a filming day at the circuit yesterday.

The VF-21 is largely based on last year’s car. Unlike many of its rivals, Haas has not spent either of its two development tokens to upgrade the chassis, which took them to ninth place in the championship last year.

However the car has been modified to comply with new aerodynamic regulations for 2021 and will benefit from the new power unit Ferrari has introduced for the new season.

Haas has also changed to a new livery in the colours of the Russian flag for the upcoming season. The change in design is linked to new title sponsor Uralkali, which is owned by the father of new driver Nikita Mazepin.

While Uralkali’s corporate colours have previously been red and green, the company presented a new blue and red logo to coincide with the car’s launch. “The new logo will help to improve Uralkali’s brand recognition as Russia’s largest producer of potash fertilizers,” said the team in a statement. “The updated logo is harmonious with Uralkali’s corporate brand identity and consistent with the company’s current corporate image.”

However the car’s livery has attracted the attention of the World Anti-Doping Agency which has been Russian athletes, including Mazepin, from displaying the Russian flag and associated national symbols on their sporting equipment. The two-year ban, which came into effect in December, was imposed as punishment for the Russian Anti-Doping Agency violating doping regulations.

Mazepin is part of an all-new driver line-up at Haas with team mate Mick Schumacher.

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