The American team should be near the front of the grid and in the battle of midfield teams.
LONDON, England, February 7—Becoming the first Formula 1 team to launch their new challenger for this season, the American Haas F1 Team, along with their new sponsor Rich Energy of Great Britain, unwrapped their VF-19 challenger at the Royal Automobile Club in London, England.
Following many seasons of having their livery of white, red and black, Haas–thanks to their new sponsor that provides energy drinks for the public–will now have a color change of gold and black that reminds race fans of the days of the Colin Chapman Lotus team with their cigarette sponsor, JPS. Loyal fans and F1 historians will also remember the comparison to the Walter Wolf Racing team in the late 1970s.
William Storey (photo, Grandprixnews.com)
William Storey, CEO of Rich Energy, was probably the happiest person at the launch, knowing that Haas finished fifth last season. This time he believes that the team can go even farther–possibly challenging Red Bull for higher placings in the constructor’s championship.
“We are confident we will beat Red Bull in many races this year,” Storey told journalists in attendance. “That is holy grail marketing, but sometimes you get a bit of serendipity and right timing. Red Bull have spent £250 billion in F1 and last year across Toro Rosso and Red Bull, there or thereabouts, £400million. Ultimately, we are going to have a better-looking car.”
Storey continued: “I think a lot of people have put two and two together and got five. I’ve heard these nonsense rumors, whatever, and it’s just completely risible. I ignore it. Ultimately we’ve just produced 90 million cans. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who says it doesn’t exist it’s like saying that man never walked on the moon or that Elvis is still alive. It’s just fantasy.”
For Storey, his sponsorship can now compete with the famous Austrian drink brand and others, like Monster Energy, which sponsors the defending champions from Mercedes.
As for the race team, only a few of the current teams regained their drivers. Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen are once again at the wheel, and the American team should be near the front of the grid and in the battle of midfield teams.
It stacks up to be a very competitive season.
