Haas bookended the F1 launch season in Bahrain on Friday morning, the US outfit pulling the covers off its new VF-21 ahead of the start of pre-season testing.

The team's 2021 charger had already hit the track yesterday for a filming day shakedown with rookie Nikita Mazepin at the wheel. The Russian will be in action this after after teammate Mick Schumacher starts the day.

Save for the aero modifications mandated by this year's regulations, the VF-21 is little changed from its predecessor, with the team opting to spare its resources and not use its development tokens for this season.

The Haas VF-21. 12.03.2021. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Images
12.03.2021. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Images
Mick Schumacher (GER) Haas F1 Team and Nikita Mazepin (RUS) Haas F1 Team reveal the Haas VF-21 with Guenther Steiner (ITA) Haas F1 Team Prinicipal. 12.03.2021. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Mick Schumacher (GER) Haas VF-21. 12.03.2021. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Images
Nikita Mazepin (RUS) Haas F1 Team VF-21. 12.03.2021. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Images
(L to R): Nikita Mazepin (RUS) Haas F1 Team and Mick Schumacher (GER) Haas F1 Team with the Haas VF-21. 12.03.2021. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore

However, one significant element of change on the VF-12 is its Ferrari engine, with Haas supplied with the Scuderia's all new and much improved unit.

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has indicated that there will be no in-season development for the VF-12, with the team directing its resources at the outset towards its all-new 2022 car.

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Michael Delaney

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