Haas finds positives in Barcelona test despite new car teething issues
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed satisfaction with the team's consistent running during the first day of Barcelona testing, despite encountering early teething problems with the new VF-26.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed satisfaction with the team's consistent running on the opening day of Formula 1's Barcelona test, despite encountering early teething problems with the new VF-26. While seven teams took to the track for the first collective running under the new 2026 regulations, Haas managed 67 laps in the morning session without causing a red flag, providing a solid foundation for data collection.
Why it matters:
With the introduction of radically revamped chassis and engine regulations, reliability and mileage are the immediate priorities over raw lap times. For a team like Haas, getting the car running consistently from the start is crucial to identifying development directions early, especially given the struggles faced by rivals like Aston Martin and Williams who missed track time.
The details:
- Solid Mileage: Haas successfully completed 67 laps in the morning session. Komatsu emphasized that simply making the shakedown and achieving this mileage was a "huge task" given the new regulations.
- Driver Feedback: Esteban Ocon, who drove in the morning, described the new regulations as "very different, very complicated," highlighting the challenge of managing the new 50:50 combustion-electric power split and active aerodynamics.
- Teething Issues: While the car ran consistently, Komatsu admitted they are discovering issues "every lap, every run." However, he views this positively as it allows the team to gather data and identify necessary fixes immediately.
- Comparative Context: While Haas ran, McLaren and Ferrari opted out of Day 1, Aston Martin is delayed until Thursday, and Williams missed the test entirely due to design setbacks.
What's next:
The team aims to maximize the remaining testing days in Barcelona and Bahrain to fully understand the car's behavior and weak points. Ocon noted that the extended nine-day testing schedule is a "good thing," allowing them to thoroughly learn the new machinery before the season starts.