Haas has officially completed the shakedown of its 2026 Formula 1 car, becoming the latest team to take this important step as all teams gear up for their first official testing under the newly implemented regulations.
Oliver Bearman, a promising driver in his sophomore season, was behind the wheel of the Haas VF-26 at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit on Saturday. He utilized Pirelli’s unique demonstration tires as part of the team’s filming allowance, marking the first chance for the public to see the car in action.
In a brief post on social media, Haas shared a snapshot of Bearman emerging from the garage, accompanied by the enthusiastic caption, "The VF-26 is alive!" This shakedown not only allowed the team to conduct essential tests but also revealed actual images of their 2026 vehicle for the first time, following the previous unveiling of digital renderings during their online launch on January 19.
Interestingly, Haas’s shakedown came just one day after Ferrari showcased its own 2026 model, the SF-26, at the same venue, where legendary drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc took turns behind the wheel. The close collaboration between Haas and Ferrari continues, with Haas relying on Ferrari’s engines for this season. The new regulations mandate a near 50/50 balance between power produced by the internal combustion engine and the hybrid system, making this partnership even more critical.
Moreover, 2026 holds additional significance for Haas as they have strengthened their collaboration with Toyota, which now serves as their title sponsor. During the Fiorano shakedown, the VF-26 prominently displayed Toyota Gazoo Racing branding both on the front wing and the engine cover.
With this successful shakedown, seven of the eleven teams on the grid have now conducted some form of testing of their 2026 cars. These teams include Audi, Cadillac, Alpine, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Ferrari, and now Haas. However, Williams, Red Bull, Aston Martin, and the reigning champions McLaren have yet to complete their initial on-track outings.
Among these, Williams appears to be lagging behind, having already announced that they will miss the upcoming Barcelona test week. Assuming no unexpected delays arise, the remaining ten teams are expected to head to Spain for the Barcelona test scheduled from January 26 to January 30. Although the track is reserved for five days, each team is permitted to select only three days to run their 2026 vehicles.
Haas has indicated that the specifications they bring to Barcelona will not entirely match those used for their competitive debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March, signifying an ambitious early development strategy for the VF-26.
What do you think about Haas's approach to their new car and their partnerships? Do you believe their strategy will pay off in the long run? Share your thoughts in the comments!
