The VF-18 is an evolution of its predecessor, the VF-17, which secured an eighth-place finish in the 2017 constructors' standings for the Haas F1 Team. The design focus for the VF-18 was to produce a more stable chassis than the VF-17, aiming for more consistent performances across rounds. Dallara worked to reduce chassis weight as much as possible, giving Haas greater freedom to use ballast for adjusting the car's weight distribution. Team principal Guenther Steiner noted that the regulations remained stable between 2017 and 2018, making the VF-18 more about refinement than reinvention.
A significant addition to the VF-18 was the halo safety device, which required considerable study by aerodynamicists and chassis modifications by designers to meet mandated loads. The halo increased the car's total minimum weight and raised its center of gravity. The car also featured a drastic reduction in the sharkfin. The corporate colors of Haas Automation were carried over to the VF-18, with gray making up the majority of the livery, augmented by red and black tones, reminiscent of the VF-16.
The car attracted scrutiny following its performances in pre-season testing and free practice at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix. Questions were raised over perceived similarities to the Ferrari SF70H, the car entered by Haas partner Ferrari in 2017. Critics cited sporting and technical regulations that prohibit "customer cars"—cars developed by one constructor and sold to another. Guenther Steiner dismissed the claims, stating the team had purchased only Ferrari parts that the FIA had approved for sale.
The Haas VF-18 features a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis. Its front suspension consists of upper and lower wishbones with inboard springs and dampers actuated by push-rods, while the rear suspension uses upper and lower wishbones with inboard springs and dampers actuated by pull-rods. ZF Sachs Race Engineering supplied the dampers. The braking system utilized six-piston calipers and carbon fiber pads and discs. The car was equipped with a Ferrari 8-speed quick-shift sequential carbon-cased gearbox, hydraulically activated and longitudinally mounted. The clutch featured carbon fiber plates by AP Racing, and the differential was a servo-controlled hydraulic limited-slip type. FIA standard ECU and homologated electronic and electrical systems were provided by MES, with Ferrari supplying the steering. Pirelli supplied the tires, and OZ provided magnesium alloy wheels.
Dimensions included a height of 950 mm (minus T camera), a front track width of 1,600 mm, and a rear track width of 1,550 mm. The car's weight was 733 kg, which is the FIA minimum, including the driver and lubricants, with an empty tank.
The VF-18 was powered by the Ferrari 062 powertrain, a turbocharged 90° 1.6l V6 engine assisted with kinetic and heat ERS. It featured 24 valves (4 per cylinder) and a rev limit of 15,000 rpm. The single turbocharger had an unlimited boost pressure, typically reaching a maximum of 3.5 bar abs due to fuel flow limits. The engine had an 80mm bore, 53mm stroke, and a crank height of 90mm. It utilized a single exhaust outlet from the turbine on the car's center line, along with two outlet pipes connected to the wastegate. Fuel injection was direct, limited to 500 bar, and SKF spark plugs were used for ignition. The powertrain's weight was undisclosed but was at least 145 kg, producing more than 900 hp in total. The energy recovery system integrated hybrid energy recovery via electrical Motor Generator Units, with a Lithium-Ion battery solution (up to 4MJ per lap) weighing between 20 and 25 kg. The cooling system was supplied by Secan/Marston, and Shell provided the fuel and lubricants.
As of 2025, the VF-18 is the Haas F1 Team's most successful car, having scored 93 championship points. The team's best combined result came at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix, where Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen finished fourth and fifth respectively. This event also marked their 50th Grand Prix as a team. The VF-18 also recorded Haas' first-ever fastest lap, set by Kevin Magnussen at the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix.
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