Haas F1 Team unveils 2026 VF-26 design and livery

Haas has lifted the curtain on its 2026 Formula 1 contender, the VF-26, giving fans their first glimpse of a car that promises agility, style, and a fresh start under new regulations.

Set to be raced by Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, the VF-26 is Haas’ first fully designed entry under the team’s new title partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, and it arrives sporting a sharp white livery with red accents that reflect both Haas and Toyota’s corporate identities.

The VF-26 – the first 2026 design to be unveiled – is built to the sport’s latest rulebook, meaning the car is smaller and lighter than its predecessors.

With less downforce, reduced drag, narrower Pirelli tyres, and a Ferrari power unit running a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power on 100% sustainable fuel, Haas is hoping its mid-pack contender can stay competitive while navigating the 2026 shake-up.

Continuity Meets Innovation

Gene Haas, founder and owner of the TGR Haas F1 Team, emphasized that the team’s stability could prove invaluable this season.

“Like all teams, we’ve faced the challenge of competing in 2025 while looking to design and now build these new-regulation entries for the 2026 season,” Haas said.

“The pre-season will be crucial to understand what these cars are capable of and how the drivers, engineers and teams in general adapt to them. We at least have continuity in terms of the drivers, with Ollie and Esteban, as well as in our design and engineering teams.

“Last season’s competition in the midfield was of an exceptionally high standard, it was tough, and we need to go out again and continue to develop – both on and off-track.

“Personally, I’m going to be very interested to see how the competition shakes out across the grid and what these new regulations bring in terms of performance.”

As anticipated, the VF-26 highlights Haas’ growing collaboration with Toyota’s motorsport and R&D division.

The TGR branding will feature prominently on the car throughout the season, reflecting a partnership focused on people, product, and pipeline – developing drivers, engineers, and mechanics to create a sustainable motorsport culture.

Eyes on the Track Ahead

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, admitted there’s still plenty of work to be done before the season begins in Australia in March.

“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,” Komatsu said.

“We’re fully focused on being ready for Shakedown Week in Barcelona. 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.”

With the VF-26 now out in the wild, fans have plenty to talk about – from the striking livery to the technical innovations under the skin.

For Haas, the challenge is clear: adapt fast, learn quickly, and punch above their weight in a midfield that promises to be as fierce as ever.

Read also:

Haas: Toyota influence won’t trump ‘performance’ in driver picks

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook