Haas F1 Team has confirmed its commitment to developing the VF-26 during the 2026 Formula 1® season, despite facing challenges from rivals who have outpaced them in upgrades. The team plans to introduce new updates to the current car at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, rejecting the idea of shifting focus entirely to the 2027 car development.
After a promising start to the season, with points scored in the first three races including Oliver Bearman’s notable fifth place in China, Haas has struggled to maintain its early momentum. The team has not scored points since the Monaco Grand Prix in June, where Esteban Ocon finished ninth. Midfield competitors such as Alpine, Racing Bulls, and Aston Martin have made stronger progress with their upgrades, leaving Haas trailing in terms of pace and consistency.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the importance of continuing to work on the 2026 car, stating that abandoning development to focus solely on next year’s car would not be beneficial. Komatsu acknowledged that previous upgrades, like those introduced in Montreal, delivered mixed results—sometimes improving speed but complicating drivability. The upcoming upgrade package for Monza is intended to address some of the VF-26’s ongoing issues and help the team regain confidence and competitiveness.
Oliver Bearman expressed cautious optimism about the new parts, noting that while upgrades are welcome, they do not guarantee immediate improvements due to the car’s fundamental challenges. Bearman expects Haas to be competitive around the ninth-best team at Monza and believes they have a chance to outperform Aston Martin on the power-sensitive circuit. This reflects the team’s realistic outlook as they aim to close the gap within the midfield pack.
Haas’s approach this season highlights the balancing act many teams face between addressing current car issues and preparing for future regulations. Komatsu’s comments underline the team’s intention to solve key problems with the VF-26 rather than divert resources prematurely. Maintaining development on the 2026 car is seen as essential to keeping the team’s morale and performance on track for the remainder of the season.
As the championship progresses, Haas’s strategy will be closely watched to see how effectively the upgrades translate into improved race results. The team’s focus on incremental progress rather than radical shifts reflects a measured response to the competitive pressures within the Formula 1® midfield.