Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, as well as drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, are looking to maximize the upcoming Belgian GP weekend after a difficult run of races.
After Haas failed to score points and was trailing competitors in pace, the team is now looking ahead to a return to form at the upcoming race on the historic and challenging Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Komatsu on maximizing performance amid Haas’ recent struggles
In a release previewing the 2026 F1 Belgian GP, Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu stressed the importance of maximizing performance from FP1 onwards, given the “demanding” nature of the track and the team’s recent struggles.
“Spa is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, so it’s important we maximize every session from Friday onwards. This is especially the case following two challenging race weekends, where our cars were ultimately not fast enough to challenge for the points-scoring positions.”
Heading into the 2026 F1 Belgian GP weekend, Komatsu notes that Haas is planning to extract the most from VF-26 while also collecting data going towards the development of the car.
“We have a clear test plan in mind, not only to get the best out of the car at Spa, but also to provide valuable feedback to the factory for future development of the VF-26.
“We’ve operated at a high level in the last few races, so we’re focused on building on that and getting the maximum out of the planned program.”
Building on the strong rapport established over the course of recent races, Haas is looking to achieve a “positive result” at the Belgian GP, says Kommatsu.
“We’ll continue to move forward together as a team to ensure we come away with a positive result from the weekend.”
Bearman believes the weather could aid Haas at the Belgian GP
Previewing the 2026 F1 Belgium GP, Haas driver Ollie Bearman describes the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps as an “incredible track.”
“Spa is a circuit every driver looks forward to. It’s an incredible track with so much history, and every sector is a real challenge. Eau Rouge is obviously a highlight, but Pouhon, for me, is incredible to drive.”
Located in the Belgian Ardennes, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is famous for its unpredictable weather, with conditions often very different across the track. According to Bearman, who expects to see rain at some point during the 2026 F1 Belgium GP weekend, the weather could aid Haas in their quest to return to points-paying positions.
“The weather can also make things interesting as the circuit has its own microclimate, so I’d be shocked if we didn’t see a bit of rain, but it keeps everyone on their toes, and for us right now, it could provide a much-needed opportunity to challenge for points.
“We’re working on numerous areas right now, knowing our focus points and limitations, but if we can achieve everything within our control, I’m still excited for what this weekend can bring.”
Ocon celebrates a decade since his F1 debut at the 2016 Belgian GP
Although he hasn’t scored points since Monaco, Haas driver Esteban Ocon sees a silver lining, recalling an improved feeling inside the VF-26 at the British GP, which he hopes to carry into the 2026 F1 Belgian GP.
“Silverstone wasn’t the easiest weekend for us as a team, but I personally felt much better in the car than the last few races, so we hope to carry that forward into this weekend.”
The Frenchman made his F1 debut at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps a decade ago and delivered memorable moments there, including a personal best grid position of P3 at the 2018 F1 Belgian GP.
“Spa is always a circuit I enjoy coming back to. It’s such a legendary track, and it’s produced some exciting races. It’s where I made my debut in 2016 and also where I achieved my best qualifying result, so it holds a lot of memories. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since that first race – time flies!”
Like teammate Ollie Bearman, Ocon believes capricious weather in the Ardennes might provide Haas with an opportunity, which the team, after a difficult few races, needs to be in a position to capitalize on. Together with Haas, Ocon will thus work to maximize and build “momentum” throughout the 2026 Belgium GP weekend.
“The weather is often unpredictable, which can create opportunities as well as challenges, so we must be ready to adapt and make the most of every situation. We’re currently in a position where we need to seize any opportunity that presents itself, and we’ll be focused on maximizing each session and building momentum through the weekend.”
