First impressions of the Haas VF-23 show a conventional design that differs from last year's car and takes a certain amount of inspiration from Ferrari. Looking at the VF-23's sidepods, the shape is similar to Ferrari's F1-75 from last year. This is visible not just on the upper side, which is sculpted with a series of gills that were typical of last year's Ferrari, but also if you look at the volume of the sidepods, which taper down in a similar fashion to the F1-75.
At the rear, just behind the engine cover, is a series of gills located above the exhaust. Looking at the shark fin above the engine, its lower part is totally detached, so the air coming out from those gills underneath is directed by the shark fin to improve the airflow. In this way, the VF-23 appears more aerodynamically sophisticated than last year's car. First impressions of the floor show a raised area of 1.5cm, as the rules require, but there is nothing really defined here, so this is likely a placeholder before we see Haas' genuine floor at pre-season testing in Bahrain. Compared with Alfa Romeo, who also use the Ferrari power unit, Haas have taken more inspiration from Ferrari, while Alfa are taking a more independent route that more closely resembles Red Bull's concept than Ferrari's.
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