Haas arrived at Monza needing a significant jolt, and Oliver Bearman believes the team may have found exactly that with its biggest upgrade package of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The American outfit has slipped to seventh in the constructors’ standings after six consecutive races without scoring, with Bearman himself yet to add to his points tally since Canada in May.
But Friday at the Italian Grand Prix offered a welcome change of mood, as the heavily revised VF-26 immediately appeared far more competitive.
Bearman was eighth fastest in FP2 and, more importantly, emerged from the opening day convinced that Haas has made a substantial step forward with its new chassis and bodywork.
A step Haas desperately needed
The Briton was quick to temper his pace with the acknowledgement that a tow had helped his headline lap time, but there was no mistaking his enthusiasm for the underlying improvement.
For Bearman, the difference was immediately apparent from behind the wheel.
"It's been a good day, really positive. Definitely our best Friday probably since March or April, so that's really nice and a big boost for the team," said Bearman.
The Haas driver then highlighted what could prove to be the most encouraging aspect of the upgrade: not simply more outright speed, but a car that inspires greater confidence.
"Of course I got a good position on track and a good tow, that's not something we can guarantee come qualifying but the feeling with the car is night and day difference. We've made a big step in that regard,” he added.
That transformation is particularly significant given Monza's demands. The low-downforce circuit places a premium on stability and confidence through its fast corners, and Bearman said the VF-26 is now behaving in a much more reassuring manner despite carrying less downforce than it did at the previous race in Zandvoort.
He also made a point of praising the people behind the turnaround, stressing just how important it was for Haas to deliver when it mattered.
"I'm really proud of the team because we were hoping and needing this upgrade to be a step forward. Of course it was never in doubt but I'm really proud for the execution of everybody in our team,” he said.
Bearman finds a more predictable Haas
Bearman's assessment of the revised car went beyond simple lap-time gains. The Briton said its behaviour has become more consistent, allowing him to attack Monza's high-speed sections with greater confidence.
"The car is more predictable," Bearman explained, a deceptively simple verdict that could carry considerable weight for a team that has struggled to extract consistent performance from its car this season.
There was less encouragement on the other side of the Haas garage, however. Esteban Ocon finished only 18th in FP2 after an untidy session that included traffic and a problem affecting the rear-right corner of his car.
Unlike Bearman, Ocon was also not equipped with Ferrari's upgraded power unit.
Head of Car Engineering Hoagy Nidd nevertheless believes the Frenchman's lack of pace was more circumstantial than representative of the new package.
"I don't think we've given Esteban the best platform to go and do his best lap time today," said Nidd.
Read also: Haas rejects 2027 switch as it fights to fix VF-26
He explained that Ocon's session had been compromised from the outset before the rear-right issue further disrupted his programme.
"A lot of cars suffered with traffic at times,” he explained.
“Our FP1 was a little bit messy, tripping up on other cars, and then in FP2 we had a bit of an issue with the rear-right corner of the car. That meant he didn't get his first run and that meant he wasn't really able to kick on through the session, but we'll get there."
For Haas, that final message may be the most important one of all.
After a frustrating run of races, the Monza upgrade has at least given the team something tangible to build on – and Bearman's "night and day" verdict suggests the VF-26 may finally be ready to fight its way back into the midfield.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Bearman hails Haas ‘night and day’ Monza upgrade F1i.com.
Hence then, the article about bearman hails haas night and day monza upgrade was published today ( ) and is available on F1 News ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Bearman hails Haas ‘night and day’ Monza upgrade )
Also on site :