Last Updated on January 19 2026, 6:52 pm

TGR Haas has become the third Formula 1 team to unveil its livery ahead of the 2026 season, offering an early glimpse of how the American team plans to enter one of the sport’s most radical new eras. The first images of the VF-26 confirm that continuity remains central to Haas’s identity.

Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman will once again race a predominantly white car, a colour scheme that has become firmly associated with the team in recent seasons.

While the overall look will be familiar to fans, the details reveal a clear evolution. The VF-26 is even whiter than its predecessor, with areas that were previously black, most notably the engine cover, now largely finished in white. The car also proudly features the ‘GR’ lettering, highlighting the title partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

 

 

 

Carefully placed red accents add contrast and energy to the design, giving the car a sharper, more dynamic appearance, while still retaining its established visual identity.

As Haas prepares for its eleventh season in Formula 1, the livery reflects a team looking to balance stability with ambition at a time of fundamental change in the sport itself.

 

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Continuity in colours for a clean-sheet regulation era

The 2026 season will see the introduction of far-reaching technical regulations that will transform the design of Formula 1 cars in terms of aerodynamics, power units and energy management.

In many ways, every team is starting from scratch. Against this backdrop, Haas’s decision to retain its familiar white livery sends a subtle yet deliberate message: while the rules may be new, the team’s core identity remains intact.

 

 

 

The VF-26 is the car with which Haas will tackle this reset. Although only computer renders have been released so far, the design already hints at a more streamlined and modern aesthetic. The increased use of white gives the car a cleaner look, while the red accents provide a sense of visual aggression that reflects the team’s competitive mindset.

For the team, visual continuity also mirrors a broader philosophical approach. Rather than reinventing itself entirely, Haas aims to build on what it has learned over the past decade, using stability as a foundation from which to seize the opportunities presented by the new rules.

 

 

 

Gene Haas on balancing the present and the future

Team founder and owner Gene Haas has been open about the challenges involved in preparing for 2026, particularly the need to balance current performance with future development. Like all teams on the grid, Haas has had to divide its resources between the final seasons of the current regulations and designing a completely new car.

“Like all teams, we faced the challenge of preparing for the 2025 season while simultaneously developing and building the new car that complies with the 2026 regulations,” Haas explained.

“The pre-season tests will be crucial in understanding what these cars are capable of and how the drivers, engineers and teams as a whole need to adapt.”

Crucially, Haas has opted for continuity in areas where it believes it matters most. Both drivers, Ocon and Bearman, remain in place, as do key members of the design and engineering departments. According to Haas, this consistency could be pivotal in an increasingly intense midfield battle.

‘The level of competition in the midfield was exceptionally high last season,” he said.

“It was tough, and we need to continue developing this year, both on and off the track. I’m personally very curious to see how the competition will develop and what these new regulations will bring in terms of performance.”

 

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Komatsu: excitement despite the uncertainty

Team principal Ayao Komatsu shared this sense of anticipation, admitting that the timing of the launch still feels unusual given how early it is in the year. However, he also emphasised that the excitement surrounding a new Formula 1 season, particularly one defined by significant regulatory changes, outweighs any sense of strangeness.

“It feels almost a bit surreal to unveil a new car so early in the year,” Komatsu said, “but starting a new F1 season is no less exciting, especially one with such changes to the regulations.”

He also highlighted the enormous effort required to reach this stage, with the team working under intense time pressure between the end of the previous season and the January unveiling of the VF-26. With so many unknowns surrounding the new cars, every milestone feels significant.

 

Focus on testing and early preparation

The immediate priority for Haas is preparing for shakedown week in Barcelona, followed by further testing in Spain and Bahrain. Komatsu stressed that the limited running available before the season opener in Australia makes every lap invaluable.

“We are fully focused on preparing for the shakedown week in Barcelona,” he explained. “It has been an enormous effort for everyone on the team to accomplish so much in the short time between the end of last season and the car’s unveiling in January.”

After months of simulations and discussions, the team is eager to finally see how the VF-26 performs on the track. The initial tests will reveal the car’s raw performance and highlight areas that require rapid adaptation before the racing season begins in earnest.

“We know that a challenge awaits us,” Komatsu added, “but it is one that we gladly accept out of our passion for Formula 1.”

 

Driver reaction: A threat to the competition? Ocon’s confidence grows

While uncertainty surrounds the new era, Esteban Ocon is approaching the 2026 season with notable confidence. The Frenchman acknowledges that the scale of the regulatory changes means that no one can be sure where they stand, but he believes that experience and adaptability will be the deciding factors.

“This is definitely the biggest rule change I’ve experienced in my career,” Ocon said ahead of pre-season testing. Recalling his early days in Formula 1, he noted the transition from V8 engines to hybrid power units, a shift he believes is comparable in magnitude to the current situation.

“We have to forget everything that’s happened before and learn everything anew,” he explained. Experience helps us adapt quickly, but it’s the same for everyone. As drivers, we have to think much more about how we can be faster. That’s exciting.”

 

 

‘Scoring points early will be crucial’

Ocon cautioned against drawing conclusions too early, suggesting that the true competitive order will only begin to emerge after several races.

“We’ll see the first signs after the third or fourth race,” he said, “but that won’t be the final tally. There will be significant developments, especially in the first year.”

Despite the uncertainty, Ocon is clear about the team’s priorities. Scoring points early will be crucial, but so will making the most of every opportunity as the season progresses.

“I’m excited for this year,” concluded the 29-year-old.

“This team continues to grow and learn. We’re expanding, welcoming new partners and approaching the races with great seriousness. If we have a car that allows us to compete, we’ll definitely be a force to be reckoned with.”

 

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“It is a great relief” say the Bianchi family as Jules Bianchi’s go-kart recovered after theft – There is welcome news from the family of the late Formula 1 driver, Jules Bianchi. Several go-karts were stolen from the family’s private collection earlier this year, but at least one of the missing machines has now been recovered. The news was confirmed by Jules’ father, Philippe Bianchi, who shared the update on social media.

“I am delighted to announce that Jules’ go-kart has been found. It is a huge relief for our entire family,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

He also expressed his gratitude to those who helped bring about the breakthrough, thanking supporters who shared information, media outlets that reported on the theft and the local police in Brignoles for their assistance.

The recovered kart is particularly important as it was the last one used by Jules Bianchi before he progressed further in his racing career. Its return represents more than the recovery of valuable equipment — it marks the return of a deeply personal piece of family history…READ MORE ON THIS STORY