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Haas faces daunting challenges at Barcelona F1 test: triumphs and tribulations unfold

James Taylor by James Taylor
January 26, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Haas faces daunting challenges at Barcelona F1 test: triumphs and tribulations unfold

Haas Racing Faces Trials and Triumphs at Barcelona F1 Test: A Day of Discovery and Determination

The highly anticipated Formula 1 testing season kicked off with a bang in Barcelona, and Haas Racing was right in the thick of it, revealing both challenges and unexpected successes. Team principal Ayao Komatsu openly acknowledged the hurdles faced on the opening day, yet he couldn’t hide his pride in the new VF-26 car’s performance under pressure.

As the dawn of a new technical era unfolded with revised chassis and engine regulations, the stakes were higher than ever. Despite the absence of powerhouse teams like McLaren and Ferrari on the first day, and Aston Martin’s delayed entry, Haas forged ahead among the seven teams participating in this crucial five-day ‘shakedown.’ Williams, unfortunately, was sidelined entirely due to design setbacks, leaving Haas with a unique opportunity to shine.

Komatsu reflected on the day, stating, “In terms of mileage, we managed to do this morning; it was really good. Behind the scenes, it’s a huge, huge amount of work. I’m sure it’s the same for everyone. But to even make the shakedown and then do the mileage on the shakedown was a huge task.” His confidence was palpable as Haas completed an impressive 67 laps on the first morning, marking a strong start for the team.

However, every silver lining comes with its clouds. “Now that we are running, we are discovering issues, problems we need to solve, every lap, every run. But that’s what we are here for, right? At least we are running, that means we are gathering data, we are identifying issues that we need to solve,” Komatsu added, emphasizing the importance of data collection in this formative stage.

Esteban Ocon, who took the wheel for the morning session, shared his enthusiasm about the ongoing testing, stating, “We are dealing with the plan, learning as it goes.” With a packed schedule ahead, he acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about their extensive nine-day testing window, which included three days in Barcelona followed by six in Bahrain.

The F1 landscape is undergoing a seismic shift with new power units that feature a near-50:50 blend of combustion and electric energy, pushing drivers to adapt to innovative technologies like Overtake Mode and Boost Mode. Ocon described the transition as “very different, very complicated,” but he felt prepared thanks to extensive simulator training prior to the season. “I hope this will be the same for everyone because if it is, we’re on the same boat – so we’ll see,” he remarked, hinting at the competitive spirit that fuels the sport.

As the testing week progresses, Ocon outlined the team’s core objectives: “The aim is really to learn, to get mileage under the car, see the weak points, what we have to improve – first feel of things so we are sure that we take the right development path.” With every lap, the team aims to pinpoint areas for enhancement and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.

With a long week ahead and the promise of further development before heading to Bahrain, Haas Racing is not just testing a car; they are laying the groundwork for a competitive season. The quest for performance and reliability is on, and as they delve deeper into the complexities of the new regulations, one thing is crystal clear: Haas is determined to emerge stronger, more informed, and ready to take on the challenges of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-seasonesteban-oconsnewman-haas-racing
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