Haas made a significant statement on the opening day of 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain. The American outfit tallied 115 laps to finish with the fifth-highest team mileage.
The VF-26 showed immediate reliability, establishing a strong baseline for the sport’s new technical era.
Ocon’s Efforts
While most teams divided running time between two drivers, Esteban Ocon completed all 115 laps himself.
The Frenchman accumulated the second-highest individual total of the day, behind Max Verstappen (136 laps).
By handling the full programme, Ocon provided Haas with a substantial and consistent data set.
This productivity was supported by competitive pace, as Ocon ended the session fourth fastest overall, a 1:35.578, ahead of several leading competitors leaving him fourth come the chequered flag.
The power of the prancing horse
A lot has been said after the Barcelona shakedown surrounding the promise the Ferrari power unit is showing.
Ferrari finished the test third and seventh. Hamilton appeared to struggle in the morning while Leclerc looked at ease behind the SF-26.
Yet Ocon’s reliability and pace surprised many with his 115 laps. The Haas driver found himself 22 laps off the tally of the senior outfit Ferrari.
After what was a public grilling in which team boss Ayo Komatsu admitted he “expected more of the Frenchman” after a lackluster debut season with the American team.
Expected to beat rookie Oliver Bearman, the 29 year old often found himself in the shadow of the British driver who rapidly adapted to F1 life.
Now, with Ferrari having seemingly created a mighty power unit, Ocon will be eager to prove himself to his team boss.
Feature image courtesy of Formula 1
Further reporting courtesy of Megan Wood