Haas Kicks Off 2026 Season with Fiorano Shakedown

Haas has officially kicked off its 2026 Formula 1 campaign by completing a shakedown of the new VF-26 at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman was behind the wheel for the initial laps, running on wet tires as the team verified the car's systems ahead of the official pre-season testing window in Barcelona.

Why it matters:

This initial run is a critical milestone for Haas, ensuring that the VF-26 is fundamentally sound before facing the rigors of official testing. Furthermore, the choice of venue underscores the unique and enduring operational bond between Haas and Ferrari. This connection remains the team's bedrock even as they integrate a major title partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing for the new season.

The details:

• Ferrari Facility Access: Leveraging its customer team agreement, Haas utilized Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit. This access allows for private, controlled testing environments that are invaluable for a shakedown.
• Bearman at the Helm: Oliver Bearman, heading into his second full season, took charge of the driving duties. The team shared images of the car leaving the Shell-branded garage, with new teammate Esteban Ocon present to observe.
• Testing Regulations: It remains unconfirmed whether Haas used an allocated filming day, which permits up to 200km of running, or a demonstration event limited to 15km. Regardless, the distance was sufficient to check major component functionality.
• Strategic Partnerships: Team Principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized that the increased involvement of Toyota does not encroach upon Ferrari's territory. Toyota will specifically focus on areas where regulations prohibit Ferrari from assisting, ensuring a complementary technical structure.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to Spain for the first official pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Teams have a five-day window between January 26 and 30 to complete up to three days of running. This will be the first opportunity to see the VF-26 in direct competition with the rest of the grid and gauge the team's true pace for the 2026 season.