Haas Formula 1® Team continues to face challenges in improving the performance of their VF-26 car, despite introducing upgrades aimed at addressing handling and downforce issues. The Belgian Grand Prix weekend highlighted the ongoing difficulties the team is encountering as they try to close the gap to their midfield rivals.
During qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps, Haas drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon secured 16th and 18th positions respectively, each benefiting from grid penalties applied to other competitors. However, both drivers were involved in first-lap contact that caused punctures, forcing early pit stops and compromising their race pace. Bearman finished 14th, while Ocon ended up 17th, marking Haas’s fourth consecutive race without scoring points.
The VF-26’s primary weakness remains a lack of rear downforce and inconsistent handling characteristics. Although a new front wing upgrade has been introduced, which improved driver confidence and car balance, it has not yet translated into significant performance gains on track.
Oliver Bearman noted that the upgrade helped improve pace relative to Williams and brought him closer to Audi’s performance level. He also mentioned that the car’s increased consistency allowed him to push harder with fewer mistakes. On the other hand, Esteban Ocon has faced ongoing frustrations due to inconsistent parts affecting car performance, which has contributed to a noticeable deficit compared to some rivals.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged that fundamental handling problems have persisted since the start of the season and that identifying these issues took longer than expected. While recent upgrades have delivered the anticipated downforce, their effectiveness varies depending on the circuit. Early in the season, some strengths of the car masked these weaknesses, but from the fifth race onwards, the limitations became clearer.
Looking ahead, Bearman expressed hope that the characteristics of the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, known for its slower corners, might better suit the Haas car. Additionally, Bearman is set to give track time to reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa during the first practice session in Hungary, providing an opportunity for further evaluation.
The situation at Haas illustrates the challenges teams face in developing a competitive Formula 1® car amid a tightly contested midfield. While upgrades have addressed certain aspects of the VF-26’s performance, consistent handling and rear downforce remain areas requiring further attention as the team works to improve their race results.
