Haas reveals its first Formula One car

Haas has revealed its first Formula One (F1) car that is set to hit the track during the first day of preseason testing at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya.

Dubbed as the VF-16, Haas F1 team's challenger is powered by Ferrari. The team explains that the letter “V” stands for vertical, which is an industry standard designation for a vertical mill. Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, added “F1” to the name to unofficially designate it as the company’s “Very First One.”

Of note, Haas is the first American-led F1 team in 30 years. Gene Haas said that F1 is a global racing series that showcases the latest technology and attracts the best talent in engineering and design.

“When you hear ‘F1’ you know exactly what it is – a global racing series that showcases the latest technology and attracts the best talent in engineering and design. Haas Automation has an excellent reputation in the United States and I want that reputation to grow worldwide,” said Haas.

Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner said that their goal is to score points despite being a new team. Steiner added that the team is aiming to get respect from fans as well as other teams in the paddock.

“Our goal with this car is to score points. First, we need to go out there and show that we can do the job, that we can finish races, that we are respected by the fans and other teams in the paddock. Then, we want to score points. That is the ultimate goal,” said Steiner.

The VF-16 car will be driven by former Ferrari test driver Esteban Gutierrez and former Lotus driver Romain Grosjean.

Haas will be testing the VF-16 at Barcelona on February 22 to 25 and on March 1 to 4 before its debut race at the Australian Grand Prix.