Get ready to experience an exciting Formula 1 season with the unveiling of the Haas VF-26, the new car from the American team. A bold design, promising drivers, and regulatory challenges await the team, which hopes to stand out on the grid in 2026.
A much-anticipated presentation
On 19 January, Haas lifted the veil on its 2026 car, the VF-26, just a week before the first winter tests in Barcelona. This presentation comes at a particularly busy time, as the team prepares to tackle the challenges of a season that is already shaping up to be highly competitive. With an eleventh car to its name, Haas is demonstrating ambition and determination.
Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, the drivers chosen to lead this new car, will need to show agility and responsiveness. Indeed, the renderings revealed by the team illustrate the design of the VF-26 and its livery, which is expected to evolve throughout the tests due to the significant regulatory changes imposed this year. The first laps of the car are scheduled from 26 to 30 January at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, during closed testing. Each team will be able to choose three days to put their new creations to the test.
Challenges to overcome
Gene Haas, the founder and owner of the team, highlights the magnitude of the challenges that teams must face. “Like all teams, we had to rise to the challenge of competing in the 2025 season while also seeking to design, and now build, these cars that comply with the new regulations for the 2026 season,” he explains. This transition represents a real leap into the unknown for all championship participants.
The pre-season will be crucial for testing the capabilities of this new car, but also for observing how drivers, engineers, and teams adapt to the new requirements. “We at least have continuity on the driver side, with Ollie and Esteban, as well as within our design and engineering teams,” specifies Gene Haas. The midfield competition was exceptionally high last season. Therefore, it is imperative for Haas to continue progressing on all fronts.
A striking design and strategic partners
The livery of the VF-26 evolves towards a dominant white, enhanced with black and red accents. This visual change does not go unnoticed and signals a desire for dynamism. The team also welcomes new partners, including Toyota’s GR logo, which has become the team’s title sponsor since 1 January. This collaboration could open new perspectives for Haas, both technically and commercially.
Ayao Komatsu, the team principal, expresses his enthusiasm: “It’s almost surreal to unveil a new car so early in the year, but that does not diminish the excitement of embarking on a new F1 season, especially with such a significant regulatory change.” The team is determined to focus on preparations for the shakedown in Barcelona.
A tight schedule
The development of the VF-26 required a colossal effort from the entire team. The gap between the end of the previous season and the on-track debut of the cars in January was particularly short. “Needless to say, after so much discussion, we are eager to see how these cars will perform,” confides Komatsu. Track time will be crucial during the tests in Spain and at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where every second will count to fine-tune settings and optimise performance.
Expectations are therefore high for this new season. The VF-26 could well mark a turning point for Haas in the competition, provided that the teams fully exploit the potential of this new car.
The Haas VF-26.
