Fired-up Ocon eyes ‘dangerous’ Haas in 2026 season following VF-26 reveal

14:20, 19 Jan

1 Comments

byTobia Elia

Esteban Ocon has outlined his goals for the 2026 season following the launch of the new Haas VF-26.

“I'm excited about this year. This team is really growing, and this team is learning a lot”

- Esteban Ocon

Now one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, the Frenchman is gearing up for his second season with Haas after finishing last year behind his team-mate, having suffered a late-season dip in form.

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Ocon said he is feeling fired up: “I'm excited about this year. This team is really growing, and this team is learning a lot. Since I arrived, there have been a lot of great things that have happened.

“We’re growing the team and welcoming more partners, and it’s very serious how we’re going racing into this year. I really hope, and I trust that this team will give us a great tool to be fighting towards the front, and towards the points. And if that's the case, I think for sure we will be dangerous.”

Esteban Ocon - Photo: Race Pictures

Haas remain the only team on the grid — excluding newcomers Cadillac and Audi in their debut seasons — yet to claim a podium since entering Formula 1 in 2016.

When asked about the goals the American outfit could realistically target in 2026, the Frenchman was keen not to get carried away, stressing that it would be wiser to wait for the opening races of the season before setting any concrete objectives.

“I’d say by the third or fourth race we’ll have some indication, but it won’t be the final pecking order because there's going to be a lot of development, especially in this first year. It’s definitely worth taking all the points you can as early as you can, but even if we’re not exactly where we want to be, there are still things to grab in the middle of the season where lots of teams will be bringing updates.

He finally added: “I think right now, we need to focus race to race and get the maximum amount of the car, do good things straight away from Australia, and then we will see how things pan out later.”

Bearman sets sights on upcoming season

The British driver also spoke alongside the launch of the VF-26, reflecting on how last season unfolded and setting his targets for the year ahead.

Bearman is set to begin his second full Formula 1 campaign after a 2025 season that included a few errors in the opening half but clear progress in the final third, ultimately allowing him to finish ahead of his team-mate.

Read his full comments here.

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