Haas kicks off 2023 F1 launch season

Haas F1 Team has sparked the 2023 Formula 1 launch season by unveiling a new livery, which will be seen on the VF-23 this year.

After two years of running a predominately white car, Kevin Magnussen and the returning Nico Hulkenberg will race a sleek black, white and red livery.

The new look is a result of the team’s new title sponsor, MoneyGram, which was announced at last year’s United States Grand Prix.

At the front, the 2023 livery is a near mirror image to last year’s look with a white nose and red front wing.

The front of the Haas F1 Team’s 2023 car. Image: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Facebook

However, the side and rear end of the car is splashed in black as the white fades away to the bold new design, which stands out from the teams previous looks (see below).

The American team has not shown off the complete VF-23, with the launch a livery reveal, but it will complete a shakedown at Silverstone on February 11 ahead of pre-season testing at Bahrain on February 23.

Haas F1 Team principal Gunther Steiner said he and his colleagues feel lots of renewed energy ahead of a new season with a new sponsor and look.

A bird’s eye view of the Haas reveals how the white transitions to black. Image: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Facebook

“I obviously share everyone’s enthusiasm around the livery unveil,” said team principal Gunther Steiner.

“Not least as it’s a checkpoint in the pre-season calendar which means we’re another step closer to doing the thing we actually want to be doing – and that’s go racing.

“I like the livery, it’s undoubtedly a more elevated and modernised look which is fitting as we move into a new era alongside MoneyGram as our title partner.

The look Haas will carry in the 2023 Formula 1 season. Image: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Facebook

“It’s an exciting time of year for F1 and it’s great that we’re first out the gate to showcase our livery but our attention is firmly on getting the VF-23 on track and preparing for the season ahead. We really have something to build on following last year’s performances.

“The whole organisation has been working hard to reach this point, and obviously in Kevin and Nico we have two proven points-scoring talents locked in behind the wheel. I can’t wait to get started.”

After fielding two rookies as recently as 2021, Haas has one of the most senior driver line-ups  with Magnussen and Hulkenberg. They are the only teammates who are both 30 years or older on the grid.

Kevin Magnussen leads Nico Hulkenberg when the latter drove for Renault during the 2019 Spanish Grand Prix. Photo by Mark Sutton / Sutton Images

Magnussen impressed in his unexpected drive last year, collecting six points finishes, plus a stunning pole at Sao Paulo.

He outdrove younger teammate Mick Schumacher, who could only score two points finishes and has been replaced by a more experienced German in Hulkenberg.

With regular top-10 appearances a top priority, Haas F1 Team owner Gene Haas hopes the extra experience can push the team forward in 2023.

“I was very pleased to welcome MoneyGram as title partner for the 2023 season and beyond, and it’s exciting to see our first livery unveiled together as MoneyGram Haas F1 Team,” he said.

“We head into a new season buoyed by some strong team performances last year and a return to points-paying finishes.

“The aim for the 2023 season is naturally to do that more consistently and with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg I certainly believe we’ve got an experienced driver pairing more than capable of delivering those points on a Sunday.”

The F1 2023 launch season continues on Friday, February 3 when reigning champions Red Bull reveal its new challenger at New York.

Haas F1 Team liveries through the years

2023

The 2023 Haas F1 car from side on. Image: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

2022

Kevin Magnussen driving the Haas VF-22 during the Australian Grand Prix. Photo by Carl Bingham / LAT Images)

2021

Mick Schumacher in the Haas VF-21 during the Bahrain pre-season testing. Photo by Zak Mauger / LAT Images

2020

Kevin Magnussen at the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix at Algarve International Circuit. Photo by Charles Coates / LAT Images

2019

Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean carried a distinctive black and gold look on the Haas VF-19 Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images

2018

Romain Grosjean speeds the Haas VF-18 at the 2018 Italian Grand Prix. Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images

2017

Haas’ livery it carried at the start of the 2017 season. The sections switched to light grey from the Monaco Grand Prix onwards.

2016

Romain Grosjean at the British Grand Prix in Haas’ debut year in 2016.

2023 F1 team launch dates

Tuesday, January 31: Haas

Friday, February 3: Red Bull

Monday, February 6: Williams

Tuesday, February 7: Alfa Romeo

Saturday, February 11: AlphaTauri

Monday, February 13: Aston Martin

Monday, February 13: McLaren

Tuesday, February 14: Ferrari

Wednesday, February 15: Mercedes

Thursday, February 16: Alpine 

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