Haas VF-18
Haas' most successful car, scoring 93 points and achieving its first fastest lap.
The Haas VF-18 is a Formula One car designed by Italian manufacturer Dallara for the Haas F1 Team to compete in the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship. The car was driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen and made its competitive début at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Formula One Racing Car
- Affiliation
- Haas F1 Team
- Season
- 2018 Formula One World Championship
- Drivers
- Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen
- Engine supplier
- Ferrari
- Status
- Retired
Lore & Background
The focus of the VF-18's design was to produce a more stable chassis than its predecessor, the VF-17, with the aim of building a car capable of producing more consistent performances between rounds. To do this, Dallara worked to reduce the weight of the chassis as much as possible, allowing Haas more freedom in using ballast to influence the car's weight distribution. The car was subject to scrutiny following its performances in pre-season testing and free practice sessions at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix. Questions were raised over similarities between the VF-18 and the Ferrari SF70H, as the sporting and technical regulations ban the use of 'customer cars'. Team principal Guenther Steiner dismissed the claims, arguing that the team had only purchased parts from Ferrari that the FIA had approved for sale.
Reader's Guide
The VF-18 is Haas' most successful car, with 93 points to its name. The team achieved their best-ever combined result with Grosjean and Magnussen finishing fourth and fifth respectively during the Austrian Grand Prix, which coincidentally was their 50th Grand Prix entered. This was the first Haas car to achieve a fastest lap, courtesy of Magnussen at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Haas VF-18?
It served as the second Formula One car constructed by the American team for their 2018 championship campaign. This chassis represented a significant step forward in design compared to their debut season vehicle.
Who drove the Haas VF-18?
Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen were the two drivers entrusted with this machine throughout the season. Both pilots utilized the car to score points for the organization in various Grand Prix events.
What engine powered the VF-18?
The car utilized power units supplied by Ferrari, continuing the technical partnership from previous years. This engine choice was vital for maintaining competitiveness within the grid regulations of that season.
What is the current status of this chassis?
Like all single-season F1 cars, the VF-18 has been retired and replaced by subsequent models for newer campaigns. It now exists primarily as a historical record within the team's development timeline.
More in Team History & Eras
Elsewhere in Haas F1
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced