Haas launched the VF-26 in preparation for F1’s new rules era, becoming the first team to release images of the 2026 car.
After unveiling the Red Bull and Racing Bulls liveries last week and revealing their 2026 looks on show cars, Haas has begun the week in which several teams are scheduled to get their first glimpses of the actual challengers by publishing images online.
Britain’s Oliver Bearman, 20, and experienced Frenchman Esteban Ocon will make up the team’s driver line-up for the second consecutive season, as the sport prepares to introduce major regulation changes featuring a new power unit and chassis.
The first images of the VF-26 provide an insight into what the 2026 F1 small and light car will look like, with significantly different front and rear wings compared to previous generations, helping to reduce downforce and drag.
The team’s new 2026 livery is also shared, with the black carbon areas of last year’s car replaced with larger white areas and additional red accents. The plan also pays homage to the team’s new title sponsor this year, Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Haas shared images of the VF-26 on Monday
Komatsu: That was a huge effort.
Haas finished eighth in last year’s constructors’ championship, but enter 2026 with momentum, having scored the second-highest points total in their 10-season history.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said: “It feels a bit surreal to be launching a new car so early in the year, but taking on a new F1 campaign, especially one with regulation changes like this, is no less exciting.”
Three test events will be held for teams to fine-tune their cars before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8th, with the first test event taking place in Barcelona from January 26th to 30th, with the remaining two to follow in February in Bahrain.
“We are fully committed to preparing for shakedown week in Barcelona,” Komatsu added. “It was an extraordinary effort from the whole team working in such a short turnaround time from the end of last season to getting the car on track in January.
“Needless to say, after all this talk, we can’t wait to see how these cars perform and what we will face as we move forward with our test program ahead of Australia.
“Track time will be very important in Spain and Bahrain. We know there will be challenges along the way, but we do it because we are passionate about F1.”
‘I raised my level’ – Bearman is excited to move forward
Britain’s Bearman had an impressive rookie season, putting together a particularly impressive second half, including five consecutive points finishes and a career-best fourth place in Mexico.
His form, comfortably ahead of Ocon’s more experienced and solid operator, has fueled speculation about Bearman’s potential as a future Ferrari driver, with the Italian team signing him with their academy before loaning him to Haas.
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Oliver Bearman talks about his ambition to one day sit in a Ferrari seat, but admits his job at Haas is “just getting started”.
“It was definitely a year where I learned a lot, not only about myself as a person and an athlete, but also about Formula 1,” Bearman said.
“My knowledge base has really grown infinitely because I’ve had experiences that you can’t learn before you experience them. I’ve definitely improved a lot in all of those areas and I’m really happy with how the season went, especially in the second half.”
“I really improved my game. I felt like in the second half of the season I started getting results that I was really happy with. That was very important to me, and I’m excited to continue that this year.”
The Essex-born driver believes the experience gained during his rookie season, competing in F1 for the first time on a number of circuits, will allow him to be even more competitive in 2026.
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Oliver Bearman told Martin Brundle that he would “ready for” a Ferrari seat if it became available.
“I’m really excited to be back at all these circuits because I’ve already experienced a race weekend,” he added. “Over the weekend I understood how the track evolves, how the tires work and what changes tripped me up last year.Last year it was mostly going to new circuits where I had competitors many times.
“Obviously, I’m now at a circuit that I’ve only driven once and that my rivals have raced 10 or 11 times, but I feel that even just gaining one race weekend’s worth of experience on a circuit, the knowledge base that I’ve built up over a full season of F1 will take me to a better place.”
When does F1 pre-season testing take place?
With the introduction of new regulations, a strong schedule of three separate test events is planned before the start of the 2026 season.
The first test will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26th to 30th, followed by two more tests in Bahrain from February 11th to 13th and 18th to 20th.
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F1 has outlined new regulation changes for 2026, including a replacement for DRS, in a plan to allow closer racing next year. Video provided by F1.
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The team will then have two weeks to prepare for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6th to 8th.
The first practice session of the season will take place on Friday, March 6th, followed by qualifying on Saturday, March 7th and the opening race on Sunday, March 8th.
Sky Sports F1 lets you watch all 24 race weekends of the 2026 F1 season live. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
