Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu wants his team to rediscover its early-season consistency as the team heads into the 2026 F1 Austrian GP weekend looking to bounce back from a difficult run of results.
While the American squad scored points in four of the opening five races of the season, recent events have proved more challenging. However, with the F1 Austrian and British rounds forming another back-to-back double-header, Komatsu believes the coming weeks offer an important opportunity to improve both performance and understanding of the VF-26.
Komatsu targets return to points-scoring form
Haas arrive at the Red Bull Ring eager to halt a frustrating spell that has prevented them from building on a promising start to F1 2026. Although results have not reflected the team’s ambitions in recent races, Komatsu remains focused on extracting more from the car.
“Despite frustrations with our results in the past two events, the benefit of this part of the season is the volume of races we have in a relatively short period of time. We’re heading into another double-header with Austria and Great Britain back-to-back.”
The Team Principal highlighted the importance of gathering more information about the car as the championship enters a busy phase. Ryō Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon in FP1.
“Obviously, they’re two very different circuits but both offer us an opportunity to further develop our understanding of the VF-26.
“We’re going to get Ryō in the car for FP1 in Austria, so it’ll be good to get his feedback as he hasn’t driven the VF-26 yet. He’s coming to us fresh from a Le Mans podium in WEC with Toyota, which was great to see, and he’s been a key part of our TPC program again this season.”
Looking ahead to a demanding stretch of four races in five weekends, Komatsu stressed that Haas must improve operationally while rediscovering the consistency that defined the opening rounds.
“As I said, though, we’re really looking forward to the next few weeks with four races in five weekends. We’re going to be kept extremely busy but that’s the challenge. It’s imperative we keep pushing to be better operationally and deliver the kind of results we know we’re capable of. Having scored points in four of the first five events this season, we need to find that level of consistency again.”
Bearman focused on delivering before the summer break
For Ollie Bearman, the next two double-headers represent an important opportunity for Haas to convert its growing understanding of the VF-26 into stronger results.
The British driver believes the team continues to learn valuable lessons each weekend, but now needs to execute more consistently.
Bearman said: “As we get into the final two double-headers before the break, there’s a lot we as a team need to accomplish before we can leave for summer satisfied.”
Bearman also pointed to the familiarity of the upcoming venues as a key factor, adding: “These are tracks we all have a lot of experience at, so we must come into each weekend knowing our targets and put quite simply, meet them.”
Although recent results have not always shown the team’s progress, Bearman sees encouraging signs behind the scenes.
“I know everyone is working incredibly hard, I can feel we’re learning and understanding more each day, it’s just about putting it all together consistently.”
The 2025 rookie also praised the Red Bull Ring itself: “The Red Bull Ring is a fun track to drive, it’s one of the fastest of the year, not to mention the scenery is a standout part of the weekend – we don’t race anywhere prettier.”
Ocon wants Haas to start strongly in Austria
Esteban Ocon echoed his teammates’ enthusiasm ahead of the 2026 F1 Austrian GP, describing the Red Bull Ring as one of Formula 1’s classic venues.
“It’s good to be back racing in Austria, one of the classic tracks on the calendar. The Red Bull Ring has a good flow of corners with big undulations, and it’s a pleasure to drive,” he said.
The Frenchman also highlighted the unique atmosphere generated by the Austrian crowd: “The atmosphere in the Austrian countryside is also pretty special, and the fans always show some good support.”
Ocon explained that Haas have spent significant time preparing for the event and now need to execute their weekend cleanly.
Ryō Hirakawa will take part in his first FP1 session in Austria, giving Haas another opportunity to gather feedback on the VF-26. Fresh from a Le Mans podium with Toyota, the Japanese driver believes the Red Bull Ring’s combination of straights and corners makes it an ideal circuit to begin his programme as he focuses on learning the car and collecting data for the team.
As Haas head to Spielberg, the team know the next few weekends could play a major role in shaping the remainder of their campaign. Both race drivers are targeting a return to the points, and the 2026 F1 Austrian GP presents a timely opportunity for Haas to regain momentum and rediscover the consistency that defined the start of the season.
