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.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

The last of Grand Prix racing's privateers

Turning 70 on this day is Hector Rebaque, who was Mexico's last F1 driver for…

18 mins ago

Papaya rules reset: Piastri explains McLaren’s 2026 plan

Oscar Piastri has made one thing crystal clear ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign:…

1 hour ago

Norris says McLaren's MCL40 ‘feels like an F2 car in some ways’

Lando Norris has thrown a dash of intrigue over Formula 1’s much-hyped 2026 revolution by…

2 hours ago

Williams explain power trick that could define F1 in 2026

Formula 1’s next generation of cars will not just look different – they will sound…

4 hours ago

Williams FW48 finally hits the track at Silverstone after delay

Williams finally rolled its long-awaited FW48 onto the track at Silverstone on Wednesday, trading weeks…

18 hours ago

Horner weighs in on explosive 2026 F1 engine controversy

Christian Horner has waded into Formula 1’s latest technical storm, addressing the growing controversy over…

20 hours ago