Ahead of the 2026 F1 Monaco GP this weekend, Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, and drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon have spoken about their hopes for the weekend.
This upcoming weekend marks the 2026 F1 Monaco GP. As one of the most iconic races on the calendar, all teams will be looking to impress.
After a strong start to the season, Haas have now found themselves struggling to keep the pace. At the Canadian GP, Bearman finished in P10, with Ocon behind in P14. The team are currently 7th place in the championship standings.
However, they are hopeful that the weekend will bring success, and re looking forward to taking to the streets of Monte-Carlo.
Haas Team Principal views on the 2026 F1 Monaco GP
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledges that recent races have not delivered the desired results. However, he believes valuable lessons have been learned.
“We’re looking forward to heading to the iconic streets of Monte Carlo to kick-start the European F1 season. Monaco’s simply a place like no other on the calendar, different in equal measure for the challenge on-track and the atmosphere off it.”
After a challenging month, Komatsu stressed that the Haas team have been working hard behind the scenes. They have worked to identify the key areas for improvement, and expect that it will lead to on-track success.
“Looking back, we had a couple of difficult races in May – but it’s given us plenty to analyze and improve on, both technically and operationally, and we take that and look ahead eager to get back racing on a regular basis now. The development technically is fierce and we’ve got to be at our very best to compete. As ever, we remain focused and committed to make improvements continuously by working together as a team.”
Bearman is up for the challenge
With one previous F1 Monaco GP under his belt, Haas’ young driver is preparing for a demanding weekend. The Monaco GP demands excellence from the drivers and leaves no room for error. Bearman highlighted the delicate balancing act required to extract maximum performance around the principality.
“The Monaco Grand Prix is a challenge for both drivers and teams, as you have to navigate setting up the car for the low-speed, bumpy circuit, while trying to get the most downforce in the car as you possibly can. Like Montreal, it’s another circuit where you need to have confidence and get as close to the walls as you can, to get every last bit out of the lap.
“Qualifying dictates a lot more here in Monaco than it does at other races, but honestly, that’s part of the unique challenge of this weekend, it’s unparalleled.”
Ocon is excited to race close to home
For Esteban Ocon, the F1 Monaco GP holds special significance for the Haas driver. As a Frenchman, Monaco is the closest he will get to a home race.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend as Monaco is always one of the season’s highlights for teams and drivers. Personally, I’ve got some great memories there and it’s great to race so close to France as well, with friends and family coming to the track to support every year.”
Ocon highlighted the importance of building momentum throughout the weekend.
“Racing on the historic streets of Monaco is truly special and something every driver grows up wanting to do. The background is unique, the circuit demands total precision, and the confidence to get close to the walls is what really makes the difference.”
At the Monaco GP, qualifying plays a decisive role in the race results. With this in mind, Ocon believes that preparation for this will be crucial.
“As a team, we’ll work hard to build up through the weekend for the all-important qualifying on Saturday and hope to have a good race on Sunday.”
