Haas completes shakedown with 2026 F1 car ahead of opening test

On Saturday, February 24, F1 sophomore and Ferrari Academy driver Oliver Bearman took the wheel of the VF-26 for its inaugural laps at Ferrari’s private Fiorano test circuit in Italy. The session was conducted using Pirelli’s designated demonstration tyres, adhering to the team’s allocated filming day provisions, which typically limit on-track running to 100 kilometers for promotional purposes and initial system checks. Haas confirmed the successful shakedown with a concise social media post featuring an image of Bearman exiting the garage at Fiorano, accompanied by the caption, "The VF-26 is alive." This event marked the first public unveiling of the physical VF-26, contrasting with the digital renders previously released during the team’s online launch on January 19.

The shakedown at Fiorano underscored the strong and ongoing technical partnership between Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari. This collaboration sees Haas utilizing Ferrari power units and various non-listed parts, a model that has defined the American team’s presence in Formula 1 since its debut in 2016. The choice of Fiorano, Ferrari’s renowned private test track, for the VF-26’s maiden run further exemplifies this close alliance. Historically, Fiorano has been integral to Ferrari’s own development programs, offering a controlled environment for preliminary testing away from the scrutiny of public circuits.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to introduce one of the most substantial regulatory shifts in the sport’s recent history, particularly concerning power unit architecture and aerodynamic principles. The new regulations mandate a near 50/50 split between power generated by the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the hybrid energy recovery systems (ERS). This paradigm shift is expected to significantly influence car design, demanding a fundamental rethink of chassis, aerodynamics, and energy management strategies. Teams are therefore prioritizing early track time with their new machinery to gather crucial real-world data, validate simulations, and identify any immediate areas for development ahead of the intense competitive season.

For Haas, the 2026 season also heralds a significant commercial development with the expansion of its partnership with Toyota. The Japanese automotive giant, through its motorsport division Toyota Gazoo Racing, has elevated its involvement to become the title sponsor for the American squad. This enhanced collaboration was visibly evident on the VF-26 during its Fiorano debut, with prominent Toyota Gazoo Racing branding adorning the front wing and engine cover. This new title sponsorship is poised to provide Haas with a substantial financial boost, which is critical for a team operating on one of the smaller budgets in Formula 1, especially in an era of stringent cost caps and escalating development demands.

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Haas’s shakedown closely followed Ferrari’s own demonstration event at the same venue just a day prior. On Friday, February 23, Ferrari introduced its SF-26, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc sharing driving duties. This sequential testing at Fiorano highlights the operational synergies between the two teams and their shared commitment to early development under the new regulations. Ferrari’s decision to involve both its star drivers in the initial shakedown signals the strategic importance it places on driver feedback even during these preliminary runs.

With Haas completing its shakedown, a total of seven out of the eleven Formula 1 teams have now put their 2026 cars through initial paces on track. This list includes Audi (which is set to enter F1 in 2026, currently operating as Sauber/Stake F1 Team Kick), Cadillac (as part of the Andretti Global entry, though their car status is distinct), Alpine, Mercedes, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), Ferrari, and now Haas. These early runs are vital for basic system checks, validating build quality, and ensuring fundamental operational integrity before more extensive testing begins.

Conversely, four teams—Williams, reigning constructors’ champions Red Bull Racing, Aston Martin, and McLaren—are yet to conduct their first on-track outings of the year with their 2026 challengers. Among these, Williams has encountered significant delays, having already announced its inability to participate in the upcoming Barcelona test week. This setback could have implications for their early development program, as missing initial track time under new regulations can put a team at a disadvantage in data acquisition and correlation. Williams’s recent performance has seen them striving to climb back up the constructors’ standings, and any delays in car development could hinder their progress.

The primary focus for all teams now shifts to the official pre-season testing scheduled for Barcelona, Spain, from January 26-30. While the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been booked for five days, each team is permitted to run their 2026 cars for a maximum of three days. This condensed testing period emphasizes efficiency and strategic planning, as teams aim to maximize their track time to gather comprehensive data on vehicle performance, reliability, and driver feedback. Barcelona, with its diverse range of corners and a long main straight, is considered an ideal venue for initial assessments of a car’s all-round capabilities.

Haas has already indicated that the specification of the VF-26 it brings to Barcelona will not be identical to the version that will compete at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March. This aggressive early development program is a common strategy in Formula 1, particularly under new regulations, as teams continuously refine and upgrade their cars based on data acquired from testing and simulation. The VF-26 will undergo further modifications and optimizations in the weeks leading up to the first race, reflecting the iterative and fast-paced nature of Formula 1 car development. The team, under new leadership with Ayao Komatsu as Team Principal following Guenther Steiner’s departure, will be keen to demonstrate progress and a robust development trajectory. Haas finished tenth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship, and the 2026 regulations offer an opportunity for a reset and potential upward mobility.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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