Bearman Praises Haas' Strong Foundation as VF-26 Shows Early Promise in 2026

Just two races into the 2026 campaign, Oliver Bearman is already establishing himself as a standout performer, and he's attributing much of his early success to the solid fundamentals of the Haas package.

Currently occupying fifth position in Formula 1's drivers' championship, Bearman has been one of the grid's most impressive operators during the season's nascent stages. The VF-26 has provided him with an encouraging platform, offering the kind of balanced setup that allows a driver to build confidence and extract consistent performance.

Haas has accumulated 17 championship points through the opening brace of races, with Bearman responsible for every single point registered by the Maranello-powered outfit. His team-mate Esteban Ocon, by contrast, has struggled to replicate his pace, leaving Bearman as the primary points contributor for the American team.

Speaking to his satisfaction with the car's characteristics, Bearman has highlighted what he perceives as a "great baseline" from which Haas can continue developing. While the season remains in its infancy, the early indications suggest the team has constructed a competitive foundation that could yield positive results as the campaign progresses and upgrades are introduced.