Haas is diligently working behind the scenes on their race car for 2026 – when the new Formula 1 regulations come into effect – but is doing so without the input of the drivers for now. According to Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu, it’s simply too early to involve them – even in the simulator – in the development process.
The changes to the Formula 1 regulations for 2026 are significant. For instance, the DRS will be removed, the tires will be narrower, the hybrid drive will shift towards more electric power, and a strategically deployable energy mode will be introduced. As a result, the 2026 cars will be fundamentally different. At Haas, the concept is currently changing so frequently that simulation work is of little use, according to team boss Ayao Komatsu.
The Japanese team boss explains that it’s a deliberate decision to not yet let the drivers work with the 2026 car in the simulator. “We are indeed making progress in the development, but the concept is still constantly changing. There is no stable basis on which the drivers can train,” Komatsu explains. “It makes no sense to have them get used to a car that will probably look completely different or behave very differently in two months.”
Focus Remains on 2025
With six race weekends left, Haas is fully focused on the remaining Grands Prix of 2025. The American team is currently ninth in the constructors’ championship with 46 points. Haas is above Alpine, with Racing Bulls, Sauber, and Aston Martin still within reach. “The midfield is incredibly close,” says Komatsu. “That’s why we want our drivers to stay fully focused on the current season. After Abu Dhabi, the 2026 project will be much further developed — then it makes sense to involve the simulator.”
