Haas found some encouraging signs from the upgrades introduced at Monza, particularly through the performance of Oliver Bearman’s VF-26, but the overall picture remains less positive as Audi continues to pull clear. The American team showed a noticeable improvement over a single lap in Italy, yet race pace and tyre degradation remain significant weaknesses heading into Formula 1’s first weekend at Madrid’s new Madring circuit.
Oliver Bearman was the only Haas driver at Monza using the latest evolution of the Ferrari power unit, and his car produced the most promising performance of the team’s weekend. The step forward was particularly visible in qualifying, but Haas continues to struggle towards the back of the field and is now regularly able to keep only Cadillac, Aston Martin and Williams behind.
Audi is becoming an increasingly difficult target for Haas
The more uncomfortable reference point for Haas is now Audi. The German team has improved over recent races and is increasingly able to place its cars ahead of the VF-26s on a consistent basis, underlining how much more Haas still needs from its own development programme.
Monza nevertheless represented a first positive step. The new aerodynamic package convinced both the engineers and drivers in terms of single-lap performance, even if that progress was not reflected as clearly over a full race distance.
Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that Madrid will now provide Haas with an opportunity to assess the upgrades on a completely different type of circuit and gain a clearer picture of their real potential.
Ayao Komatsu wants Madrid to reveal more about Haas upgrades
“Madrid presents an exciting new challenge for everyone. The layout seems to combine very different demands, with tight street-style sections around IFEMA, faster purpose-built corners and the banked La Monumental, which will probably generate plenty of discussion,” the Haas team principal explained.
The central question, however, remains the performance of the new package.
“It will be another opportunity to learn more about the upgrades we brought in Italy on a completely different circuit. At Monza, we maximised the new package in qualifying, but we struggled with tyre degradation in the race. That is something we will focus on in Madrid.”
The contrast between qualifying and race performance is therefore one of Haas’ main priorities. The upgrades appear to have increased the VF-26’s potential over one lap, but the team still needs to understand why that improvement did not translate into equally convincing race pace.
Oliver Bearman encouraged despite Haas race-pace weakness
Oliver Bearman shares Komatsu’s assessment after producing the most encouraging signs for Haas at Monza. The British driver arrives in Spain with greater confidence in the updated car, while acknowledging that Sunday performance remains the area requiring the most work.
“I’m very happy to see that the upgrade we brought to Monza worked, even though our race pace hurt us on Sunday. That’s why I’m approaching this weekend with optimism. A new circuit is something that anyone can manage to understand better than the others.”
The completely new nature of Madring adds another element of opportunity. With no previous Formula 1 race data available, every team will need to learn the circuit during the weekend, potentially rewarding those who adapt fastest.
For Bearman, one section stands out above the rest: La Monumental, the long banked corner that is expected to become one of Madring’s defining features.
“It’s the corner I can’t wait to experience for real. It’s something new for Formula 1.”
Esteban Ocon set for latest Haas package and new Ferrari power unit
Esteban Ocon’s car is expected to receive both the latest Ferrari power unit and Haas’ newest upgrade package in Madrid, giving the Frenchman the same updated specification as his team-mate.
Ocon has highlighted the importance of adapting quickly to a circuit that blends characteristics normally associated with street tracks and permanent facilities. He sees similarities with Miami, particularly because of the mixed nature of the layout.
“It will be important to get up to speed immediately on this new layout. I’ve worked in the simulator and we’ve done our homework, so it’s a great opportunity to make our mark on Madring. We want to finish the European part of the season in the best possible way.”
Madrid becomes an important test for the VF-26
For Haas, the Madrid weekend is about more than simply recovering from a disappointing Italian Grand Prix. It offers the team its first opportunity to evaluate the new package on a circuit with completely different demands from Monza.
The initial qualifying performance suggested that the development direction has merit, but tyre degradation exposed an important limitation on Sunday. Understanding whether that weakness was largely specific to Monza or remains a broader characteristic of the updated VF-26 will be one of the key objectives in Spain.
At the same time, Audi’s growing competitiveness is increasing the pressure. Haas can no longer rely on matching its direct rival simply through isolated qualifying gains; it needs the latest developments to deliver more consistently over an entire Grand Prix weekend.
Madrid will therefore provide a valuable test. If Bearman and Ocon can combine the improved single-lap performance seen at Monza with stronger tyre management and race pace, Haas will have clearer evidence that its latest development package can help close the gap to the teams ahead.
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