Haas has become the first Formula 1 team to reveal images of their real 2026 car, launching the VF-26 and offering the first clear look at the sport’s new design era.
Following recent livery launches from other teams using show cars, Haas kicked off a week where several teams are expected to reveal their actual challengers. The launch provides insight into how F1’s new generation of smaller, lighter cars will look, featuring very different front and rear wings designed to create less downforce and drag.
The VF-26 also sports a new livery. It replaces many of last year’s black carbon areas with larger sections of white and extra red details. The new look also welcomes the team’s title sponsor for this year, Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Haas enters 2026 with drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon returning for a second season together. The team finished eighth last year but gathered strong momentum, scoring their second-highest points total in a decade.
Team Principal: “A Monumental Effort”
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said the early launch feels “a bit surreal” but is no less exciting, especially with such big rule changes.
“We’re fully focused on being ready for Shakedown Week in Barcelona,” Komatsu stated. “It’s been a monumental effort from everyone on the team to work with such a tight turnaround time from the end of last season to putting cars on track in January.”
He added that after so much talk about the new rules, the team is eager to see how the cars perform during testing. “Track time is going to be crucial,” he said.
Bearman Eyes Strong Second Season
British driver Oliver Bearman, 20, is excited to build on a rookie year where he improved dramatically. His second half of the season was particularly strong, including a run of five straight points finishes and a best result of fourth in Mexico.
“It was a year where I certainly learned a lot,” Bearman said. “I’ve really increased my knowledge base infinitely… I really upped my game in the second half of the season.”
He believes having one year of experience will make a big difference for 2026. “I’m most excited to return to all of these circuits, having experienced a race weekend already,” Bearman explained. He feels the knowledge gained from his first season will put him in a much stronger position against more experienced rivals.
Pre-Season Testing Schedule
The new rules have led to a busy pre-season schedule with three testing events before the opening race in Australia on March 8.
The first test will be held in Barcelona from January 26-30.
This will be followed by two tests in Bahrain: February 11-13 and February 18-20.