Haas Debuts Special Godzilla Livery for Austin Grand Prix

Haas is turning heads in Austin as the VF-26 adopts a striking Godzilla-themed livery for the upcoming race weekend. This marks the second time this season the American outfit has collaborated with TOHO to bring the iconic kaiju to the grid, strategically timed to coincide with the North American release of Godzilla Minus Zero on November 6.

Why it matters:

Beyond the visual spectacle, this partnership represents Haas' effort to diversify its brand appeal through global pop-culture tie-ins. By leveraging the massive reach of the Godzilla franchise, the team is enhancing its visibility in the North American market, moving beyond traditional sponsorship to a more integrated marketing approach involving merchandise and promotional content throughout the 2026 season.

The details:

• Visual Design: The VF-26 features a prominent Godzilla illustration across the sidepods, accented by blue graphics that contrast sharply with the team's traditional red, white, and black color palette.
• Current Standings: The team enters Austin seventh in the constructors' championship with 30 points. They currently trail Alpine by 38 points while maintaining a slim seven-point lead over Audi.
• Performance Split: Oliver Bearman has been the team's primary point-scorer with 23 points, while Esteban Ocon has contributed seven. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, scoring points in only one of the last 11 rounds.

What's next:

While the focus remains on the Austin weekend, Haas is already pivoting toward a significant driver lineup change for 2027.

• Esteban Ocon is confirmed to leave the team at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
• Rafael Camara, the Ferrari junior and current Formula 2 title contender, has been secured as Ocon's replacement.
• Oliver Bearman is expected to retain his seat, forming a new partnership with the Brazilian rookie for the next campaign.