Haas is bringing a long-awaited upgrade package for the VF-26 to the upcoming Italian GP. The American team has slipped back towards the rear in recent Grands Prix but hopes to close the gap to the competition with new parts in Monza. Haas is especially wary of Audi, the new factory team that left a strong impression in the last race weekends.
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Since the Canadian GP in May, Haas has not introduced any significant upgrades. The team had already scored nineteen championship points then, mainly through Oliver Bearman. Since then, only two points have been added. Meanwhile, Audi has scored points in the last four Grands Prix and significantly reduced the gap to the midfield.
Upgrade package
After a disappointing performance in the Netherlands – a double DNF – Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu looks ahead to the Italian round with hope. “Our intention is to definitively leave the frustrating weekend in Zandvoort behind us,” Komatsu said in a statement. “Operationally, we certainly saw improvements, but ultimately we are still searching for more pace. This weekend we are introducing a new upgrade package, so it is again crucial that we maximize our practice time, thoroughly analyze our data, and strive to keep fighting in the midfield.”
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Esteban Ocon is also looking forward to the new parts and expects Haas to reconnect with the direct competition. “We are bringing an extensive list of updates to Monza, aimed at bringing us back to our midfield rivals. Budapest and Zandvoort were positive for me because I felt comfortable in the car and we really got the most out of the package. I want to continue that trend, get the most out of these updates from day one, and compete again in the fight for points.” A lot is at stake for Ocon. The Frenchman’s seat is under pressure from several young talents, including Rafael Câmara.”
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