The Montreal weekend will be a key step for Haas. As explained by Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, the squad will bring a new upgrade package to the track. The real challenge will be dictated by the weekend’s Sprint format, which will leave only the first hour of free practice (FP1) available to test the new parts and find the right setup.
Despite the limited time, Komatsu stated he is confident and ready to face the commitment, recalling that other teams successfully managed to do the same in the recent Miami race. The American squad’s goal is clear: exploit these modifications to fight for the top ten and extract the maximum from the car in a truly hard-fought season.
The Haas FTM exhaust
Since stepping into the paddock, Haas has always shown a certain synergy with Ferrari. In addition to the components it purchases directly from the Italian team, such as the engine, gearbox, and suspension, we have often observed the adoption of rather similar solutions.
One of these is the FTM exhaust. The American squad has exploited the same rear-end mechanical layout as the Scuderia, a factor that has allowed it to replicate the concept developed by the engineers led by Loic Serra. In the American team’s case, however, the flaps feature a less aggressive incidence.
However, ahead of the Canadian round, the area has undergone targeted refinements. The crash structure acting as the base for the exhaust profile now appears more voluminous, although the lateral channels utilized on the SF-26 are missing.
Haas VF26: The work for the outwash effect on the VF26
The latest technical talking point in chronological order for Haas concerns the central area of the car. In this case, we are talking about the bargeboards, where the engineers directed by Ayao Komatsu have once again explored a Ferrari solution.
Analyzing the new geometries, it can be noted how the basic structure shares a marked affinity with the aerodynamic solution adopted by the SF-26. While not necessarily a direct copy, the engineering similarities are undeniable.
Specifically, the first forward flow deflector is divided into two sections rather than three; however, the development of its vertical portion unmistakably mirrors the philosophy introduced at Maranello. Furthermore, three additional aerodynamic appendages are present behind the second element.
The entire work aims not only to generate more local downforce but also to maximize the outwash effect to push turbulence towards the outside of the car. Completing the package, we note that the horizontal profiles (cascade elements) also follow the concepts seen on the red car.
Diffuser reshaping to add downforce
The diffuser has also been the subject of modifications in various areas. In the wheel corner, the solution introduced by Red Bull appears, while the vertical elements now feature a non-rectilinear shape. The trailing edge of the extractor also shows different geometries.
In the strict regulatory context of 2026 F1, the diffuser area represents one of the few remaining opportunities to work effectively on downforce generation. For this reason, Haas has sought to refine its concepts, boosting flow expansion to add downforce to the rear of the car.
