Haas has moved swiftly to clear space on Formula 1’s increasingly crowded launch calendar, bringing forward the reveal of its 2026 challenger in a bid to give the team its own moment in the spotlight.
The American outfit will now unveil the VF-26 on 19 January, four days earlier than originally planned. Haas had initially earmarked 23 January for the launch when it confirmed its schedule in early December, but that date has since become heavily populated across the grid.
With Alpine already committing to a 23 January launch – and Ferrari later confirming it would debut its own 2026 car on the same day – Haas opted to change course.
A team spokesperson said the decision was taken specifically “to avoid over-congestion of team launches,” ensuring fans and media can properly focus on the VF-26 reveal.
Digital debut for VF-26
Haas’ first look at its 2026 car will come via digital renders and video, rather than a physical launch event. While that approach has become increasingly common across F1, the reveal still carries significant weight for a team entering a transformative phase.
The VF-26 will continue Haas’ long-standing technical relationship with Ferrari, running power units from the Scuderia for the 2026 season – as every Haas car has done since the team entered Formula 1.
Haas F1 team principal, Ayao Komatsu.
Ferrari’s own launch date shift played a role in prompting Haas’ reschedule, making the earlier window a cleaner fit on the calendar.
Behind the wheel, continuity remains the theme. Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will again form Haas’ driver pairing, both having joined the team full-time last season.
The duo will now get their first official look at the new machinery earlier than expected as preparations ramp up for the regulation reset.
A new era for Haas
Beyond the launch date shuffle, 2026 represents a landmark year for Haas off the track as well.
The team’s technical partnership with Toyota is being elevated to title sponsor status, marking a major shift in identity and commercial backing.
©Haas
Toyota replaces currency transfer firm MoneyGram, which previously held naming rights, and the move signals Haas’ intent to strengthen its long-term foundations as Formula 1 enters a new technical and financial cycle.
After finishing eighth in last season’s constructors’ championship, Haas will hope the VF-26 – and the broader structural changes surrounding it – can propel the team forward in the new era. The first clues as to that ambition will now arrive sooner than planned, when Haas pulls the digital covers off its 2026 challenger on 19 January.
You can check out the full 2026 calendar of F1 car launches and team presentations here.
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