Haas reveals VF-26 with bold design and expanded partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing for F1 2026 By Maria
4 min read
 |
This Monday, January 19, the Haas team presented the design and livery of the VF-26, a car that will compete in the 2026 Fórmula 1 season. The revelation highlighted the consolidation of the partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, which takes on the role of main sponsor and expands the technical collaboration that began in 2024. The event took place digitally, through the team’s social networks, before the pre-season tests.
The new look incorporates a greater presence of the color red, Toyota’s trademark, maintaining white and black as the predominant tones. The team’s identity now officially reflects the name TGR Haas F1 Team, reinforcing ties with the Japanese manufacturer. Pilotos confirmed for the season are Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, a duo that has already competed together in 2025.
The early presentation allows the team to focus efforts on preparations for the new technical regulations that come into force in 2026. Essas changes aim to make cars lighter, more agile and sustainable, with a balanced distribution of power between the combustion engine and electrical systems.
New look reflects integration with Toyota
The VF-26’s paintwork adopts more aggressive and dynamic lines, with a prominent application of red in strategic areas of the car. Essa choice symbolizes the arrival of Toyota Gazoo Racing as main partner, replacing the previous sponsor. The team maintained traditional elements of its visual identity to preserve recognition among fans.
The design was developed considering the aerodynamic restrictions imposed by the new rules. Engenheiros prioritized solutions that balance performance and energy efficiency without compromising competitiveness in the intermediate zone of the grid.
Technical changes for 2026
The 2026 regulations introduce significant changes to the Fórmula 1 cars. The Haas has adapted the VF-26 to meet these parameters while maintaining the power unit supply from the
Key technical new features include:
- Reduction in the total weight of cars for greater agility in curves
- Reduced aerodynamic load to limit speeds on straights
- Narrower tires supplied by Pirelli to adapt to the new format
- Mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuel in all teams
- 50/50 power distribution between thermal engine and electrical systems
These measures seek to make races more competitive and align the category with global environmental goals.
Testing and preparation schedule
The Haas team starts activities on the track next week. Pre-season testing was divided into two phases to allow for progressive adjustments to the VF-26.
The calendar foresees:
- Sessions at Barcelona between January 26th and 30th, with three days available per team and closed doors
- Additional testing on Bahrein in February, divided into two windows of three days each
- Possible full reveal of the real car only in the season opener Grande Prêmio
Team directors highlight the importance of this period for validating components and collecting real data.
Continuity of pilots and structure
Esteban Ocon and Ambos actively participated in the development of the VF-26 through simulator sessions.
The team’s technical structure also remained intact. Engenheiros and designers responsible for the 2025 car continued work on the new project, ensuring knowledge transfer. Collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing adds expertise in areas such as manufacturing and advanced simulations.
Benefits of partnering with Toyota
Merging with Toyota Gazoo Racing provides additional resources to Haas without changing team ownership. The Japanese manufacturer contributes knowledge accumulated in other categories of world motorsport. Essa exchange especially benefits the development of solutions for new sustainability rules.
The partnership also increases the global visibility of the North American team. The presence of the Toyota brand attracts attention from important markets, including Asia. Diretores state that the central objective remains to consolidate the position in the middle of the grid.
Expectations for the season
Haas directs its efforts to compete regularly in the intermediate zone of the championship in 2026. The combination of internal continuity and external support from Toyota creates a solid foundation for gradual evolution. Preseason Testes will serve as an initial indicator of the VF-26’s potential.
The category as a whole faces an important transition with the new regulations. Smaller Equipes, like Haas, see an opportunity to reduce technical differences in relation to larger ones. The initial focus is on reliability and thoroughly understanding the car before the first race.
Detalhes operacionais da equipe
The operational base of Haas remains divided between Estados Unidos, Itália and Reino Unido. Instalações in Itália maintain proximity to Ferrari for power unit integration. The main factory in Estados Unidos concentrates administrative and strategic efforts.
Director Ayao Komatsu has coordinated the 2026 project since the beginning. Sua previous experience in other teams contributes to the organization of the tight development schedule. The early presentation of the design allows full concentration on the tracks in the coming days.
The 2026 season marks Haas’s 11th consecutive participation in the Fórmula 1. The team seeks to improve the performance recorded in recent years through continuous development. The partnership with Toyota represents a strategic step towards achieving medium-term goals.
Final preparation before the slopes
Engineers perform final checks on the VF-26 before transport to Europa. The shakedown week in Barcelona represents the first real contact with the complete car. Dados collected in these sessions will guide adjustments before testing on Bahrein.
The team plans to maximize available track time within regulatory limitations. Cada kilometer driven contributes to the refinement of hybrid and aerodynamic systems. The immediate objective is to ensure operation without significant mechanical problems.
