Haas moves VF‑26 reveal to Jan 19 amid packed launch calendar

Haas has moved the launch of its 2026 car, the VF‑26, forward by four days to Jan 19, ahead of the first pre‑season test in Barcelona. The shift comes as Alpine and Ferrari stick to a Jan 23 debut, creating a crowded launch window. By unveiling earlier, the American team hopes to avoid the media traffic and give its new Toyota Gazoo Racing livery more breathing room.

Why it matters:

• Earlier launch gives Haas a clearer media window before Barcelona.
• Avoids the rule that forces teams without a pre‑test reveal to run in a plain livery.
• Highlights Toyota’s expanding role while Ferrari still supplies the power unit.

The details:

• Launch moved from Jan 23 (Alpine/Ferrari) to Jan 19, shown via digital renders.
• Red Bull launches Jan 15 in Detroit; Audi follows Jan 20 in Berlin; other teams roll out through early Feb.
• Teams that haven’t shown their car before the Barcelona test must run a bare‑carbon or camo livery.
• Toyota is now title partner, but the VF‑26 still uses Ferrari power unit and gearbox, keeping the core supply chain unchanged.
• The compressed winter break adds extra test days, pushing the launch calendar forward.

What's next:

• Haas heads to Barcelona for a closed‑doors test on Jan 26‑27.
• VF‑26 performance will be critical under the 2026 aero‑weight overhaul.
• If the car impresses, a full‑color livery could debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where testing is televised.