Haas is targeting a return to the points at the 2026 United States Grand Prix, with Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon hoping to build on the team’s modest improvement in Singapore. The American outfit heads to the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) for its home race, where it will also run a special Godzilla-themed livery.
After showing signs of improved performance at Marina Bay, Haas will attempt to secure a strong result in front of its home supporters in Austin. The team will also celebrate the upcoming American cinema release of Godzilla Minus Zero with a distinctive design, marking another chapter in its collaboration with the famous Japanese film franchise.
Ollie Bearman targets more points for Haas at COTA
Ollie Bearman is looking forward to competing at one of Formula 1’s most distinctive circuits, particularly with the added significance of a home Grand Prix for Haas.
“The United States Grand Prix is always a great event, a homecoming of sorts for the team, and I’m looking forward to getting out on track in Austin. The Circuit of The Americas is a challenging circuit with a good mix of corners and some great overtaking opportunities,” the British driver said.
The weekend will also feature a special appearance for the Haas cars, with the team preparing its second Godzilla-themed livery of the 2026 season. Ollie Bearman confirmed that his helmet design will be adapted to match the occasion.
“As it’s a US race, we’re even busier than usual, working with our partners, and for this race, launching our second special livery celebrating Godzilla – where I’ll also match my helmet for the occasion,” he added.
Returning to the points is Ollie Bearman’s main objective after an eventful Singapore Grand Prix weekend, during which he produced entertaining performances in both the Sprint and the main race at Marina Bay.
“After the last triple where we scored in two out of three races, we know what our target must be over the next bounce of three races,” Ollie Bearman concluded.
Esteban Ocon welcomes a traditional F1 weekend in Austin
Esteban Ocon is equally enthusiastic about returning to the Circuit of The Americas. The French driver highlighted both the appeal of the circuit and the opportunity created by the traditional Grand Prix format, with Austin not hosting a Sprint event in 2026.
“The Circuit of The Americas is a great track, and Austin is a pretty awesome location that we all enjoy coming back to. It’s not a Sprint weekend this year, so we will be able to build up through the sessions to give ourselves the best chance in qualifying on Saturday,” Esteban Ocon explained.
With three free practice sessions available before qualifying, Haas will have more time to work through its preparations than it did at the previous Sprint weekend in Singapore. For Esteban Ocon, however, the significance of racing in front of the team’s home supporters also adds another dimension to the event.
“You approach each race the same, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that it’s the home race of the team, as there’s so much going on throughout the week,” the French driver acknowledged.
Haas prepares for another demanding three-race run
The United States Grand Prix also marks the beginning of another demanding run of three consecutive Formula 1 weekends, with Mexico City and São Paulo following Austin on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
For Haas, the immediate objective is to build on its recent improvements and make the most of the support surrounding its home race. Esteban Ocon believes the atmosphere in Austin will provide an additional source of motivation as the team attempts to improve its results.
“It will be great to be able to meet so many fans again, and that definitely gives us a little bit more motivation come race day. It’s a good way to start another intense triple-header, and we’ll be doing our best as always in front of the passionate American fans,” Esteban Ocon concluded.
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