Haas completes shakedown of VF‑26 at Ferrari's Fiorano test track

F1 Grand Prix, GP Brazil, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos

Haas has taken a significant step in its 2026 Formula One programme, completing the first on‑track run of the VF‑26 during a shakedown at Ferrari’s Fiorano test facility.

The outing marks the American team’s most important milestone yet under the new regulations, as it accelerates development ahead of the Barcelona test.

F1 rookie Oliver Bearman handled driving duties on Saturday, turning the initial laps on Pirelli’s demonstration tyres as part of Haas’ filming day allowance. The team confirmed the run with a brief social media post showing Bearman leaving the garage, captioned simply: “The VF‑26 is alive.”

The Fiorano debut also provided the first real‑world look at Haas’ 2026 challenger, following the digital renders released during its online launch on 19 January. The VF‑26 appeared in full Toyota Gazoo Racing branding, reflecting the team’s expanded partnership with Toyota, which becomes Haas’ title sponsor this season.

The choice of Fiorano was no coincidence. Haas maintains a long‑standing technical relationship with Ferrari and will continue to use the Italian manufacturer’s power units under the new rules, which require a near‑equal split between combustion and hybrid energy.

Running at Ferrari’s private circuit allowed the team to conduct systems checks in familiar surroundings just one day after Ferrari itself completed a demonstration run of the SF‑26 at the same venue.

With Haas now joining Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine, Audi, Cadillac and Racing Bulls in completing initial track activity, seven of the 11 teams have run their 2026 cars in some form. Red Bull, Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams are the remaining outfits yet to turn a wheel, with Williams already confirming it will skip the Barcelona test entirely.

The Barcelona test window runs from 26–30 January, though each team may only select three days of running. Haas has already indicated that the specification it brings to Spain will differ from the version intended for the season‑opening Australian Grand Prix, signalling an aggressive early‑season development plan for the VF‑26.

For Haas, the Fiorano shakedown was less about performance and more about validation — ensuring that the car’s new systems, energy architecture and Toyota‑backed branding package all function as intended before the more intensive testing phase begins.