Haas started new F1 car development as early as 2024

Autosport • January 19, 2026 • sports

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Haas began developing its 2026 Formula 1 car concept in mid-2024 despite a ban on wind tunnel and CFD testing before January 2025, aiming to get a head start on the new technical regulations.
The team balanced resources between finalizing the 2025 car (VF-25) and ramping up work on the 2026 car (VF-26), fully switching focus after the 2024 summer break.
Haas plans to update the VF-26 significantly between its initial unveiling and the first race in Australia, with early tests in Barcelona and Bahrain expected to feature less mature versions of the car.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu highlighted the immense challenge posed by the 2026 regulations,