The 2026 Formula 1 season has begun with a surprise that very few would have predicted: Haas consistently running among the best teams in the midfield—and even beyond. After the opening four races, the American outfit has scored points at every event, demonstrating a level of consistency that is rarely seen from a team traditionally fighting in the middle of the grid. Behind powerhouse teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, Haas has even climbed to fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, placing itself ahead not only of its direct rivals but also of a struggling Red Bull.
This impressive run started with solid performances, including a seventh-place finish for Oliver Bearman in Australia and a strong fifth place in Shanghai, a result that drew significant attention to a technical project clearly on the rise. Valuable points have also come from sprint races, highlighting a level of competitiveness that extends across the entire race weekend rather than being limited to isolated performances.
Between challenges and resilience: the strength of the team
However, the journey has not been without difficulties. The Suzuka weekend represented a clear setback, marked by mistakes and a heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman. In that context, the contribution of Esteban Ocon proved crucial, as he managed to secure a tenth-place finish and keep the team’s positive streak alive.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the importance of this strong start: “It’s fantastic that, with the new regulations, we’ve managed to score points in every race as a smaller team.” His words reflect both enthusiasm and a clear awareness of the team’s limitations.
A position to defend: a fragile balance
Behind the strong results lies a more complex reality. The standings remain incredibly tight, with the battle between fourth and seventh place separated by only a handful of points. Alpine, Racing Bulls, and even Red Bull remain close behind, ready to capitalize on any small mistake.
Ayao Komatsu is well aware of the situation and urged caution: “The competition is extremely tight… we need to improve our processes and optimize the car.” The risk is evident—without continuous development and refinement, this promising start could quickly turn into a short-lived highlight.
The Miami Grand Prix will already provide a crucial test to determine whether Haas is truly ready to establish itself among the front-runners, or if this impressive start is simply an early-season surge that will fade as the championship progresses.
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