Haas continues 2026 development despite being overtaken by rivals
Motorsport.com • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 1:01 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Haas confirmed it will continue focusing on the VF-26 car development throughout the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season rather than shifting resources to future projects. Despite a strong start that included points in the first three races, the team acknowledged that competitors have out-developed them in recent months. Team principal Ayao Komatsu maintains that the current car retains potential, with further upgrades scheduled for deployment in the coming weeks. Driver Oliver Bearman remains optimistic about the team's ability to rejoin the midfield pack as these technical improvements are introduced. The squad currently aims to rectify its performance dip while continuing to refine the existing platform for the rest of the campaign.
- •Haas will not switch focus to 2027 car development yet.
- •Ayao Komatsu plans to introduce VF-26 upgrades soon.
- •The team scored points in the first three races of the 2026 season.
- •Oliver Bearman expressed hope that the team can catch up to rivals.
- 3:59 PMMotorsport.com — Haas updates car for Monza as Oliver Bearman remains "sceptical" of VF-26 performance
- 1:01 PMAutosport — Haas rules out switch to 2027 development as VF-26 updates "coming soon"
"After starting the 2026 Formula 1 season strongly, Haas admits that it has been overtaken and out-developed by its rivals this year. However, team boss Ayao Komatsu and driver Oliver Bearman both remain hopeful that it can catch back up with the pack “soon”. Haas has traditionally started the season strong, and continued this tradition in 2026 when it picked up points in the first three ...Keep reading
"After starting the 2026 Formula 1 season strongly, Haas admits that it has been overtaken and out-developed by its rivals this year. However, team boss Ayao Komatsu and driver Oliver Bearman both remain hopeful that it can catch back up with the pack “soon”. Haas has traditionally started the season strong, and continued this tradition in 2026 when it picked up points in the first three ...Keep reading
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comSep 1, 2026, 3:59 PMHaas updates car for Monza as Oliver Bearman remains "sceptical" of VF-26 performance
After starting the 2026 Formula 1 season strongly, Haas admits that it has been overtaken and out-developed by its rivals this year. However, team boss Ayao Komatsu and driver Oliver Bearman both remain hopeful that it can catch back up with the pack “soon”. Haas has traditionally started the season strong, and continued this tradition in 2026 when it picked up points in the first three ...Keep reading
- AutosportSep 1, 2026, 1:01 PMHaas rules out switch to 2027 development as VF-26 updates "coming soon"
After starting the 2026 Formula 1 season strongly, Haas admits that it has been overtaken and out-developed by its rivals this year. However, team boss Ayao Komatsu and driver Oliver Bearman both remain hopeful that it can catch back up with the pack “soon”. Haas has traditionally started the season strong, and continued this tradition in 2026 when it picked up points in the first three ...Keep reading
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