Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman have shared insights into the challenges Haas has faced with their VF-26 car during the 2026 Formula 1® season. Both drivers pointed out significant inconsistencies in the car’s performance, which have affected the team’s ability to maintain a strong position in the midfield.
Haas began the season on a promising note, securing points in five of the first six races. Bearman notably finished seventh in Australia and fifth in China, marking some of the team’s best results so far. However, the last four races have seen a downturn, with Haas unable to break into the top 10, reflecting a drop in competitiveness.
The main issue highlighted by Ocon revolves around the unpredictable nature of the VF-26’s performance. He described fluctuations in straight-line speed and downforce balance that vary not only between sessions but also from one race weekend to another. According to Ocon, only two races this season have shown the car performing at the level the team expected.
In an effort to address these challenges, Haas has been rotating parts on the car to improve both reliability and performance. Despite these attempts, the overall "health" of the car remains unstable, contributing to the difficulties faced during recent races. Bearman added that the inconsistency in parts affects the two drivers differently, making the internal competition within the team uneven at times.
Bearman also expressed that while he feels his own performance has been solid, the current state of the car limits Haas’s ability to consistently fight for points. After ten rounds, Haas sits seventh in the Teams’ Championship with 21 points, ahead of Williams, Audi, Aston Martin, and Cadillac, but the team’s recent struggles have made it harder to maintain momentum.
The comments from Ocon and Bearman underline the technical and performance challenges Haas is navigating in the 2026 season. Their reflections provide a clear picture of how fluctuations in car behavior can impact race outcomes and driver confidence over the course of a demanding Formula 1® campaign.