Haas has confirmed it is changing the launch date of its 2026 Formula 1 challenger to avoid clashes with some of its rivals’ launches.
The American squad had initially set a date of January 23, but both Alpine and engine partners Ferrari both announced its respective launches on the same day.
It has therefore decided, “to avoid over-congestion of team launches,” as a team spokesperson said, to move the date to January 19 instead.
As with many teams in more recent seasons, Haas will launch the car – the VF-26 – via a video and digital renders.
The team will hope to build on what was a positive 2025, in what will be its third season under the stewardship of Team Principal Ayao Komatsu.
Once again, it will deploy the services of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, who helped the Banbury-based team to 79 points, 21 more than its 2024 score.
As well as its continued partnership with Ferrari, Haas will also enjoy a continuation of its technical alliance with Toyota, amid a new title partner deal with the Japanese giants.
The launch will take place one week before the first pre-season test, in a behind-closed doors schedule at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya that concludes on January 30.
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