Haas VF-26: American F1 team first to reveal brand-new 2026 car and updated livery

Haas has become the first Formula 1 team to release images of its 2026 car, unveiling the VF-26 as the sport enters a new rules era. 

Following last week’s livery reveals from Red Bull and Racing Bulls, which showcased their designs on show cars, Haas is leading a week where several teams are expected to give the first glimpse of their actual 2026 challengers online. 

The team will continue with the same driver pairing for a second season: 20-year-old Brit Oliver Bearman and seasoned Frenchman Esteban Ocon. They will navigate a significant regulation overhaul, including updated power units and chassis designs. 

The initial images of the VF-26 offer a glimpse into how F1’s 2026 cars will appear, featuring a smaller and lighter design with front and rear wings that differ substantially from those of the previous generation, thereby reducing both downforce and drag. 

Haas also revealed its new livery for 2026. Black carbon sections from last year’s car are replaced by larger white areas and extra red accents, reflecting the team’s new title sponsor, Toyota Gazoo Racing. 

After finishing eighth in last year’s Constructors’ Championship, Haas enters 2026 with momentum, having recorded the second-highest points tally in its 10-season history.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu commented: "It feels almost a bit surreal to be unveiling a new car this early in the year, but it's not any less exciting venturing into a new F1 campaign - especially one with such a change in regulations."

"We're fully focused on being ready for Shakedown Week in Barcelona," Komatsu added. "It's been a monumental effort from everyone on the team to work with such a tight turnaround time from the end of last season to putting cars on track in January.

"It goes without saying that after so much talk, we can't wait to see how these cars will perform and what we'll face as we then progress through our test programs ahead of Australia.

"Track time is going to be crucial through Spain and Bahrain, and while we know there's going to be challenges along the way, we do this because we're passionate about Formula 1."

There will be three separate testing events for teams to fine-tune their cars ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 8. The first test is scheduled in Barcelona from January 26–30, followed by two additional sessions in Bahrain during February.