Bearman: “In the first races, pay attention to reliability”. Ocon: “VF-26 very good on the simulator”

Ollie is no longer a rookie After his excellent debut season in Formula 1, Oliver Bearman is called to confirm himself and perhaps improve in 2026, especially in view of a drivers’ market that could open up exciting scenarios for him – that is, a move to Ferrari, of which he is a member of the Academy.
It will therefore be a very important year for the career of the 20-year-old from Chelmsford, who spoke in the official press release released by Haas for the presentation of the VF-26. Bearman’s words “Taking a break was nice, although after the tests there was some work to do, such as the simulator and the seat test,” said Bearman, adding: “The last activity carried out was on December 23, but I managed to take a good bit of time off to spend with my family”. The young Englishman is aware that it will be a particular season, due to the regulatory revolution: “I consider it both a good thing and a bad thing, because on the one hand we will be able to have an immediate impact, but on the other it’s horrible not knowing anything about the forces on the field.” Bearman then gave a summary of his 2025: “I certainly learned a lot, also about F1. I’m very happy with how it went, especially in the second half where I raised the level. I want to continue like this”, and continued: “Predicting where we will be is impossible, I see positive things but we won’t know anything until qualifying in Australia. I have the feeling that in the first races reliability will play an important role”. Super motivated Ocon Esteban Ocon was beaten 41 to 38 by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman last year and will therefore be more determined than ever to overturn the hierarchies within the Haas team. These are his words on the sidelines of the unveiling of the VF-26: “I’ve put on a lot of weight on a muscular level, I’m in a pretty good condition. There will be a very particular way of driving the car, with greater management of the engine and the hybrid. In the simulator the car was pretty good, with a decent balance, we’ll see what it will be like in reality.” The expert French driver wanted to place even more emphasis on the driving style: “We will have to forget everything we have learned since our go-karting days, but it will be interesting to learn a new style, hoping to find the right speed.” Ocon then concluded: “Within three or four races we will have some indication of the new hierarchy, but it won’t be a definitive ranking because developments will then come.”